Indian Army Deploys Resources to Search for Missing After Floods

The Indian Army has intensified its search efforts for individuals missing after devastating flash floods struck the town of Dharali in Uttarakhand on August 5, 2023. At least four people have been confirmed dead, with over 50 still unaccounted for following the sudden deluge that swept through a narrow mountain valley, inundating the area with mud and debris.

Rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to ongoing torrential monsoon rains, which have hampered communication and damaged local phone lines. As of Wednesday, August 6, the search teams, aided by sniffer dogs, drones, and heavy earth-moving equipment, are working tirelessly to locate those who remain missing. According to Mohsen Shahedi from the National Disaster Response Force, the number of those unaccounted for has been revised down from around 100, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Rescue teams have reported that the floods, which were described by locals as having an “unimaginable scale,” struck with little warning. Eyewitness accounts revealed scenes of panic, as individuals were swept away by the powerful surge of water. Videos broadcasted on Indian media captured the terrifying moment when multiple buildings were engulfed, leaving the community in shock.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, attributed the disaster to an intense “cloudburst” of rain. In response, he declared that rescue teams were mobilizing “on a war footing.” The Indian Army has also deployed additional resources, including military helicopters that are delivering essential supplies and evacuating stranded individuals, although inclement weather has made aerial operations challenging.

Rescue Operations and Community Impact

The extent of the destruction in Dharali is significant, with reports indicating that mud has accumulated to depths of up to 15 meters in some areas, completely submerging buildings. The army and government rescue teams continue to work on clearing debris and restoring access to the region. Images released show personnel manually lifting rocks and operating heavy machinery to facilitate the rescue efforts.

Government meteorologists have warned that all major rivers in Uttarakhand are currently above danger levels. As a precaution, residents have been relocated to higher ground due to rising water levels linked to the relentless rainfall.

The Indian monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is frequently associated with severe floods and landslides. However, experts assert that climate change, coupled with rapid urbanization, is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of these natural disasters. According to the United Nations World Meteorological Organisation, increasingly severe weather patterns signal a troubling shift in the planet’s water cycle.

Hydrologist Manish Shrestha from the Nepal-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development noted that the 270 millimeters of rain recorded within 24 hours qualifies as an “extreme event.” He emphasized that such concentrated rainfall in mountainous regions leads to more severe impacts compared to flatter terrains.

As the search for the missing continues, the community grapples with the aftermath of this calamity, underscoring the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies in the face of climate challenges.