Harshil: In a swift and coordinated response to a sudden landslide near Dharali village in Uttarakhand, the Indian Army carried out a large-scale rescue operation on Tuesday afternoon, saving several lives and averting a potentially larger tragedy in the remote hilly terrain.
The landslide occurred around 1:45 PM, approximately 4 kilometres from the Indian Army’s Harshil camp, in a zone prone to heavy rainfall and unstable slopes. Within minutes of receiving the alert, the Army swung into action, deploying 150 trained personnel who reached the site in less than 10 minutes, despite challenging road conditions and the risk of further debris flow.
On arrival, troops immediately began search and evacuation efforts. Using handheld equipment, stretchers, and communication support, the Army teams navigated through rubble and unstable terrain to locate trapped civilians. So far, 15 to 20 individuals have been successfully rescued, many of whom were stranded or injured due to the sudden collapse of soil and rocks.
All injured persons were given first aid on-site and swiftly transported to the Indian Army’s medical facility in Harshil, where they are undergoing treatment. Medical officers at the facility confirmed that the majority of the injured sustained minor to moderate injuries, while a few required extended observation.
Search and rescue operations are still underway, with teams working round the clock to scan the affected area for any remaining civilians. The Army has deployed all available manpower, vehicles, and medical teams to the location. Specialised equipment has also been moved in to remove debris, with Army engineers assessing the stability of the surrounding area to avoid further risks.
Senior Army officers at Harshil confirmed that the area continues to be under constant surveillance, and the rescue teams are prepared for any secondary slides or emergency medical situations.
Local residents and civilian officials have expressed deep gratitude for the Army’s timely action. “If they hadn’t reached so quickly, the situation could have been far worse. The Army saved many lives today,” said a local resident from Dharali.
Search and Rescue operations continues.
