Army's Helicopter Evacuation Saves 10 Gujarat Tourists During Uttarakhand Rain Disaster
In the aftermath of the devastating cloudburst near Dharali, Uttarakhand on August 5, 2025, a large-scale rescue operation is underway. The operation, involving multiple agencies, is spearheaded by the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and local administration.
The Indian Army's Ibex brigade and Rajputana Rifles, including a Ghatak team, are actively involved, alongside the NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local volunteers. Approximately 479 personnel from these groups are currently deployed on the ground, using specialized search equipment such as search radars, sniffer dogs, drones, and satellite phones to aid the rescue efforts.
Helicopter services have been crucial for personnel movement and evacuation due to extensive road damage from landslides and mudslides. Military and civil helipads at Harsil and Nelong, respectively, are operational, but some helipads like Dharali remain inaccessible under mud and debris.
Many of those rescued were pilgrims journeying to Gangotri Dham, a key Hindu pilgrimage site. The disaster disrupted the Char Dham Yatra, with heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides limiting travel and damaging infrastructure. Local communities have been severely affected, with homes, homestays, and businesses destroyed, notably in Dharali village which was washed away by the deluge. Families remain displaced, and emergency relief camps and temporary shelters are being established. Critically injured individuals are being airlifted to Dehradun and AIIMS Rishikesh for treatment.
The Uttarakhand Chief Minister is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts. The administration has promised compensation and aid to affected families. Despite ongoing challenges like disrupted communication and damaged roads, rescue operations continue around the clock to search for missing persons and provide medical care.
The rise in cloudburst incidents in Uttarakhand over the past decade, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has led to recommendations for increased preparedness. Community-based training in first aid, evacuation drills, and emergency communication protocols could become part of annual preparedness programs in high-risk villages. Additionally, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has recommended that Uttarakhand establish additional pre-positioned supply hubs stocked with essentials such as food, water purification units, and medical kits.
The Dharali-Mukhawa route, a known landslide-prone stretch, was flagged in a 2023 Geological Survey of India report. In response, the Army's Engineer Regiment has begun immediate restoration work to reopen vital routes blocked by the flash floods.
The cloudburst rescue operation in 2025 has benefited from pre-existing frameworks such as the Indian Army's Operation Megh Rahat in 2023, which established protocols for helicopter-based extractions in Uttarakhand. Central government funding for flood and landslide mitigation will be prioritized for Uttarakashi district. State authorities plan to assess road damage and expedite reconstruction before winter sets in.
Despite the challenges, there have been moments of relief. On August 7, satellite-enabled communication was restored, allowing loved ones to confirm the pilgrims' safety via video calls. One pilgrim chose to stay behind voluntarily to continue the spiritual journey despite the risks.
As the rescue operation continues, the focus remains on saving lives and providing aid to those affected. The resilience of the affected communities and the coordinated efforts of the multiple agencies involved offer hope in the face of this natural disaster.
[1] Times of India, "Uttarakhand cloudburst: Over 200 pilgrims rescued, 10 still missing," August 6, 2025. [2] Hindustan Times, "Uttarakhand cloudburst: Army, NDRF, ITBP, SDRF join rescue operations," August 5, 2025. [3] NDTV, "Uttarakhand cloudburst: Over 400 people rescued, 10 still missing," August 6, 2025. [4] The Indian Express, "Uttarakhand cloudburst: Rescue operations continue as over 200 pilgrims stranded," August 6, 2025. [5] The Hindu, "Uttarakhand cloudburst: Rescue efforts intensify as over 200 pilgrims stranded," August 6, 2025.
