Uttarakhand floods: At least 10 Army jawans missing; helicopters on standby for rescue operations

district as cloudbursts triggered devastating flash floods in Harsil, leaving at least ten Army personnel missing. Rescue operations are underway, with the Air Force on standby to assist. The Kheer Ganga river overflowed, causing extensive damage in Dharali village, a key stop for Gangotri pilgrims.

The missing soldiers were stationed at a camp in the lower Harsil region when the incident occurred, reported news agency ANI. Despite the tragedy hitting their own ranks, Troops joined relief operations on the ground, officials added.

NEW DELHI: At least ten Army personnel have been reported missing after devastating cloudbursts triggered flash floods in the Harsil area of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The missing soldiers were stationed at a camp in the lower Harsil region when the incident occurred, reported news agency ANI. Despite the tragedy hitting their own ranks, Troops joined relief operations on the ground, officials added.

The Air Force also swung into action, with Mi-17 V5, Chinook, Cheetah, and ALH helicopters on active standby at the Chandigarh air base.

IAF officials say the choppers were equipped with the necessary material and are prepared to take off as soon as weather conditions improve in the affected region.

A cloudburst in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river led to violent flash floods in the high-altitude village of Dharali, which lies en route to Gangotri. The disaster has claimed the lives of at least four people, while 10 to 12 others may be trapped under debris, local sources said.