Lagatar24 Desk
Uttarkashi: In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a Nepali migrant worker recalled his final phone conversation with his son moments before a devastating flash flood swept through Harsil Valley. “Papa, we won’t survive,” his son had said, as water rushed in. The son is now among 24 missing migrant labourers following a cloudburst-triggered disaster in the Uttarkashi region.
Only Two Left Early, the Rest Trapped
Vijay Singh and his wife Kali Devi, both part of a group of 26 Nepali workers involved in road and bridge construction in the valley, were the only ones to leave Harsil for Bhatwari around noon on Tuesday. Unaware of the looming disaster, the couple departed just in time. A day later, none of the remaining 24 workers could be reached. On Wednesday, the couple tried to return via Gangawadi but were halted after a key bridge was found washed away. “Had I known about the flood, I would have never left my children behind,” said Devi.
Widespread Damage, 11 Army Jawans Also Missing
Besides the missing labourers, 11 army personnel present in the area during the disaster are also reported missing. The flash flood swept through Dharali village near Harsil, damaging homes, trees, and vehicles. At least five people have died so far. Dharali is a major stopover en route to Gangotri, the sacred origin of the Ganges, and is known for its hotels and homestays.
Rescue Operations Hampered, But Ongoing
Efforts to airlift advanced rescue equipment were intensified on Thursday, though inclement weather and blocked roads continue to challenge search operations. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is camping in the region to oversee operations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities are all engaged in locating and rescuing the missing.
