New Delhi, August 5:
In the wake of a devastating cloudburst that struck Harshil in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been placed on high alert to support rescue operations alongside the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
IAF sources told IANS that helicopters from key airbases in Chandigarh, Sarsawa, and Bareilly are on standby for aerial rescue and supply missions. The aircraft fleet includes two Chinooks, two Mi-17V5s, two Cheetahs, and one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
However, poor visibility and relentless rainfall in the higher Himalayan region delayed immediate air deployment. “The helicopters were ready for launch today, but the adverse weather made it unsafe to operate,” said an IAF official.
As soon as weather conditions permit, the aircraft will head to Harshil to assist in evacuating stranded civilians, transporting relief materials, and supporting ground operations. Meanwhile, the Indian Army swiftly mobilized 150 personnel to the mudslide-affected areas near Dharali village, reaching the site within minutes of the incident.
Ground teams from the NDRF and ITBP are also conducting search-and-rescue missions in extremely difficult terrain. Torrential rain, debris flows, and disrupted communications have severely hampered relief efforts. Multiple families are feared stranded or missing.
With roads washed away and communication lines down in several locations, aerial assistance is seen as critical to reaching isolated communities and delivering essential aid.
Authorities are coordinating efforts across agencies to minimize casualties and ensure the timely delivery of relief. Continuous rainfall remains the biggest obstacle, delaying operations and raising concerns of further landslides or flooding in the affected zone.
