Dehradun (Rajeev Sharma): In the wake of a devastating cloudburst and flash floods that struck Uttarkashi, the Uttarakhand government has confirmed the safe evacuation of 274 stranded individuals from Gangotri and nearby regions.
According to official sources, those rescued have been safely relocated to Harsil, a key stop on the Gangotri route. Authorities emphasized that all evacuees are in good health and are currently en route to Dehradun, where further arrangements are being made.
The rescued group includes tourists and pilgrims from across the country:
- 131 from Gujarat
- 123 from Maharashtra
- 21 from Madhya Pradesh
- 12 from Uttar Pradesh
- 6 from Rajasthan
- 7 from Delhi
- 5 each from Assam and Karnataka
- 3 from Telangana
- 1 from Punjab
The swift evacuation was carried out by state disaster response teams with the support of the local administration, police, and paramilitary units. Given the sudden surge in water levels and landslide-prone terrain, the operation required precise coordination and rapid response.
“Every individual who was stuck in the affected areas has been accounted for and is completely safe. We are ensuring their timely movement to safer zones and providing necessary medical and logistical support,” a state government official told ANI.
The cloudburst and resulting flash floods had temporarily cut off several routes in the Gangotri region, stranding tourists during the peak of the Char Dham Yatra season. Relief and rescue efforts are continuing in the affected districts, with weather conditions being closely monitored.
Officials have urged travelers to check updates from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) before planning or continuing their journeys in the region.
