Uttarakhand floods: Around 10 army personnel missing near Harsil area

New Delhi: Around 8-10 Indian Army personnel are reportedly missing near Harsil in Uttarakhand after the area was hit by a cloudburst resulting in flash flood and a massive mud-slide that caused widespread damage and is suspected to have buried a large number of people under sludge.

The Indian Army has not officially confirmed the number of its men missing from an army camp, but a senior official said the camp was hit by the cloudburst and mudslide at a time when the men were engaged in rescue work.

“Eight to ten Indian Army soldiers are reported missing in the lower Harsil area from a camp. Despite its own people missing in the incident, Indian Army troops are engaged in relief operations,” ANI reported, quoting Indian Army officials.

An Indian Army column with 150 people was the first to reach Dharali village, located 4 km north of Harsil on the way to Gangotri. The army team reached the village within ten minutes of the disaster with specialised medical and rescue equipment, and doctors.

“Unfortunately the cloudburst and mudslide also struck the Indian Army camp in Harsil and a portion of our rescue columns. Despite the same, the Indian Army is steadfast in its resolve to assist the local populace and carry out the rescue operations,” said Brigade Commander Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, who is heading the operation. He didn’t share any details on the loss, if any, that his unit suffered.

The army team has managed to rescue 20 villagers, till the time of filing this report. Those who are injured are being given treatment at the local military hospital.

The flash flood triggered widespread panic in the neighbouring villages. Videos from the area showed a torrent of muddy water and silt rushing down the slopes towards settlements along the banks of the river. People could be heard screaming in fear.

In one video, people can be heard gasping for breath and trying to call their relatives in affected areas to find out if they were alright. A voice is heard in the video saying, "Everything is finished."