Rescue operations in Uttarakhand’s disaster-stricken Dharali village continued on Friday, with six more pilgrims safely evacuated to the ITBP’s Matli helipad, officials reported. The cloudburst and flash floods that ravaged the area on August 5 have left the Gangotri National Highway and rural roads severely damaged, forcing reliance on air support for evacuations and relief.

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters, alongside those from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Authority, are airlifting advanced equipment to clear debris mounds in Dharali, where over 50 people remain missing. Food supplies are also being delivered by air to affected areas, including Harsil and Gangotri. “With roads breached at multiple points, air support is critical,” an NDRF official stated, noting that 274 people have been rescued so far, including 307 pilgrims evacuated from Gangotri to Mukhwa.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, stationed in Uttarkashi since Tuesday, reviewed operations and met affected families, assuring swift restoration of roads, communication, and electricity. “We are working on a war footing to evacuate everyone safely,” Dhami posted on Facebook, highlighting the deployment of 150 Army jawans, 100 ITBP personnel, 69 NDRF rescuers, and SDRF teams, supported by drones, cadaver dogs, and ground-penetrating radars.

Also Read: Uttarkashi Flash Floods: 274 Rescued, Over 60 Still Missing

The disaster, which killed at least five and washed away 40-50 structures, has drawn central support, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah pledging assistance. Two additional Chinook helicopters from Chandigarh and Agra arrived on August 6, airlifting a 125 kVA generator to restore power in Harsil.

Also Read: Maharashtra Tourists Safe After Uttarkashi Floods, Evacuation Underway