After the devastating rains, floods, and landslides in the Harshil and Dharali regions of Uttarakhand, the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been working tirelessly to rescue and support those affected.
Restoring Communication and Reconnecting Families
With the disaster cutting off mobile and phone connectivity, the Army restored communication by setting up satellite and radio systems starting 7 August. Thanks to these efforts, stranded people could finally contact their families through satellite internet calls. These conversations were deeply emotional—many people expressed immense relief and gratitude upon speaking to their loved ones after days of uncertainty.
Army’s Extensive Operations: On Ground and From the Air
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Leadership: Lieutenant General D.G. Mishra, GOC North India Area, has personally taken charge, overseeing round-the-clock rescue and relief.
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Teams in Action: Despite difficult mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather, soldiers are clearing roads, airlifting stranded locals and tourists, and distributing essential supplies.
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Dog Squad & Drone Technology: The Army has deployed both trained sniffer dogs to aid in locating people beneath debris and drones to conduct searches in remote, inaccessible zones—dramatically improving rescue speed and efficiency.
Multi-Agency Coordination
Senior officials from the Army's Central Command and NDRF, including NDRF DG Piyush Anand and ITBP DG, have visited ground zero to monitor progress and assure coordinated efforts. Daily briefings with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami are ensuring the government and agencies are working in close sync.
Medical Support and Air Evacuations
The ITBP medical teams are on-site, providing treatment to both locals and stranded pilgrims. By Friday 11 am, 118 people had been safely airlifted from the Harshil helipad to Matli, demonstrating a rapid response in challenging conditions.
Public Response
Grateful residents and rescued pilgrims have been openly saluting the Army, ITBP, and NDRF for their extraordinary dedication, risk-taking, and humanity in the crisis. The restored ability to contact families, receive medical care, and get timely evacuation has brought immense relief and hope to a devastated region. The Army is also intensifying efforts to restore normal communication to all cut-off villages.
