Uttarakhand floods: Affected area remains cut off as rescue efforts enter 3rd day

As of Thursday morning, 61 people have been airlifted by helicopter to ITBP Hospital in Matli.

Arrangements have also been made to ensure that the rescued individuals are sent to their respective destinations.

In the meantime, five civil helicopters from Sahastradhara have been operating on the Matli-Bhatwari-Harsil route for rescue operations in coordination with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The Army said that an ad-hoc aviation base is being set up at Matli Helipad to expedite operations.

Two bodies have been retrieved so far, with over 50 estimated to be missing. An Army JCO and eight soldiers remain missing while nine Army personnel and three civilians have been evacuated by helicopter to Dehradun. Three critically injured civilians have been moved to AIIMS Rishikesh by ambulance, and eight civilians were admitted to District Hospital, Uttarkashi.

Around 180-200 tourists stranded at Gangotri are being provided food, shelter, and medical support by the Indian Army and the ITBP.

The Army said that in the next 24-48 hours, they planned to airlift troops and medical teams to Harsil using Chinooks, and tourists will be evacuated from Nelong helipad on return sorties.

Around 300 pilgrims and 100 local traders are currently in Gangotri. A total of 35 people from the Army gate at Harsil have also been evacuated to safe locations. Four rescue personnel from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering have been airlifted to Harsil.

Recco radar teams, search-and-rescue dogs, and five civil helicopters operating from Sahastradhara continue to augment efforts, an Army statement said.

Road restoration work is underway as blockages have resulted in delays in rescue efforts.
As of 10 am, the water level at Bhimgoda Barrage in Haridwar was at 293.15 metres, a little below the danger level at 294.