Heavy landslides and floods hit Dharali and Harsil in Uttarakhand earlier this week, blocking roads, isolating villages, and stranding hundreds. The Indian Army launched a large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to save lives and restore essential services.
Army Restores Roads and Bridges
Army engineers and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) work day and night to open blocked roads. They are building a 90-foot Bailey Bridge at Limchigarh to reconnect cut-off areas.
Teams are also clearing the damaged Gangotri-Uttarkashi road. In flooded sections, they are setting up a 330-foot cableway to allow safe movement of people and supplies.
Helicopters Rescue Stranded People
On 9 August, Army and civil helicopters flew 33 sorties to rescue people. They evacuated 195 civilians from affected zones.
Soldiers also guided 200 tourists across dangerous mudslide areas to the Harsil helipad. There, helicopters took them to safer locations. The Army provided food, shelter, and water to over 110 stranded tourists.
Search Teams Use Advanced Tools
Search teams continue to look for missing soldiers and civilians. They use drones, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and LiDAR technology to scan debris. Five trained Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs help detect signs of life.
Teams clear rubble, repair footbridges, and lay temporary tracks to open safe paths for people and vehicles.
Medical Teams Provide Care
Army medical teams treated 35 patients, including locals and tourists. They treated injuries, dehydration, and shock cases.
Helicopters brought extra medicines and medical equipment from Dehradun to support ongoing care.
Communication Restored in Villages
Army teams fixed damaged optical fibre cables to reconnect Harsil and Nelong. They also set up satellite internet in Dharali so residents can contact families and officials.
Army Delivers Food and Fuel
Army aircraft delivered 1.4 tonnes of food and dry rations to disaster-hit areas. More supply flights are planned for 10 August.
They also set up fuel storage sites to keep helicopters running without delays.
Service Before Self
The Indian Army proves its motto – Service Before Self – once again. Soldiers work in rain, unstable terrain, and high-altitude areas to protect lives and restore normal life.
Local residents thank the Army for acting fast and preventing a bigger disaster.
Why This Mission Matters
HADR operations are vital in Uttarakhand’s mountains. Landslides and floods make access difficult. The Army’s speed, training, and equipment make rescue possible even in extreme conditions.
Every repaired road, rescued person, and restored bridge gives hope to the affected communities. The Dharali and Harsil mission shows how quick action can save lives and rebuild trust after disaster.
