Aug 12, 2025: Ground Penetrating Radars were used by experts from the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) on Tuesday to begin their search for the missing in Uttarkashi's flood-ravaged Dharali village. They stated that the group of experts would locate and concentrate on areas beneath the debris where there might be human activity. Ground Penetrating Radars (GPRs) is a geophysical method that uses radio waves to detect objects and structures below the surface.

In February of this year, the NGRI used its GPRs to locate individuals trapped in the Telangana SLBC tunnel collapse. The officials stated that the GPR surveys will also detect anomalies within the debris, and that the NGRI radars can detect human life even in the presence of mud and water.

On Monday evening, the NGRI experts arrived at the location. The search and rescue efforts in Dharali village as well as efforts to reestablish road connectivity to the district's flood-ravaged areas had been hindered by the incessant rain in Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi.
After falling into the raging Bhagirathi river, the driver of a JCB that was restoring road connectivity to the affected area vanished. The officials stated that an effort is being made to locate him. Dehradun was also lashed by heavy rain on Monday, resulting in waterlogging at various areas.
More than 1,300 people have been evacuated since the start of air rescue operations after the disaster and foodgrains, oils, pulses, edibles, items of daily use and essentials like clothes, soaps, toothpaste, gumboots and sleeping bags have been provided to the affected people in adequate quantity, they said.
The body of Akash Panwar, a young man from Dharali village, was found a few days ago, according to Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey on Monday. Forty-three people were reported missing in the disaster. He added that the family of the deceased youth has also received the ex-gratia announced by the state government as immediate relief.
Meanwhile, the 42 who still remain missing include nine Army personnel, eight residents of Dharali village, five from nearby areas, one person from Tehri district, 13 from Bihar and six from Uttar Pradesh.
In addition, 29 Nepali laborers were initially reported missing; he stated that five of them have been contacted since the area's mobile network was restored. He stated that additional information regarding the remaining 24 laborers, including their mobile phone numbers and hometowns, has been sought from their contractors. He stated that the affected individuals are receiving an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each as immediate relief and that a larger package of assistance and rehabilitation is being prepared for them.

The Meteorological Department, according to the state government, predicted that heavy rain would fall on August 13, 14, and 15 throughout the state.