Aug 8, 2025: The Indian Army is spearheading a multi-agency rescue mission in the flood-and landslide-hit regions of Dharali and Harsil in Uttarakhand, where more than 100 civilians still remain missing following devastating flash floods earlier this week. Eight soldiers from the 14 Rajputana Rifles are also missing.
Operation Dharali, launched in coordination with the Indian Air Force, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local authorities, has so far rescued over 357 civilians through a combination of air and ground efforts.
A massive suspected cloudburst had triggered a devastating flashflood in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, sweeping away all of Dharali village and leaving several feared dead or missing, in what is now emerging as one of the worst natural disasters in the state since the 2013 cloudburst in Kedarnath.
Following the natural calamity, the Indian Army launched a full-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation, deploying over 225 personnel, including specialised combat engineers, Reeco radar units, and sniffer dog squads.
A senior Army official from Harsil, the location of the operation's central command post, stated, "Our teams are working round the clock to reach every stranded person, despite the treacherous terrain and intermittent weather disruptions." The officer said that Dharali remains cut off due to extensive landslides and road damage.
Engineers are rushing to launch a Bailey Bridge, which is expected to be operational by Friday night, to restore limited ground connectivity now that road clearance has reached Limchigad. On-site and at transit points, medical teams that include doctors, nursing assistants, and combat medics are providing emergency care. Of the 355 civilians evacuated so far, 119 have been airlifted to Dehradun. Additionally, 13 Army personnel have been rescued. Authorities have confirmed two more civilian fatalities.
Six sorties by the Air Force, seven by the Army, and 55 by civilian operators were carried out on August 7 alone. “The Helicopters are delivering food, medicines, and rescue equipment while ferrying stranded civilians from isolated pockets. A ‘heli-bridge’ system is linking Dehradun, Harsil, Matli, and Dharasu ALG, with C-295 aircraft reinforcing supply lines,” the officer said.
In Harsil, the Army has set up a Communication Control Room with working Wi-Fi and satellite connectivity. Public networks are currently being restored by telecom operators BSNL and Airtel. Meanwhile, authorities plan to complete the Bailey Bridge at Limchigad, induct more relief supplies by air, continue search efforts in Harsil and surrounding areas, and evacuate the remaining civilians to safer locations.