Army Personnel Feared Missing After Flash Floods Hit Harsil Region in Uttarakhand
Rescue efforts are underway in Uttarakhand’s Harsil area after sudden flash floods swept through parts of the region late Tuesday night, leaving nearly 10 army personnel reportedly missing. The incident has triggered concern among local authorities and the Indian Army, which has launched a search operation amid difficult weather conditions.
According to initial reports, the personnel were part of a convoy stationed near the banks of the Bhagirathi river when the water level surged unexpectedly, likely due to a cloudburst or glacial runoff in the higher Himalayan regions. Equipment and temporary shelters are also believed to have been washed away in the deluge.
Local administration officials confirmed that communication lines to the affected zone have been partially disrupted. “Efforts are on to locate the missing soldiers. The terrain is challenging, and the flow of water remains dangerously high,” said a senior disaster response official.
Visuals from the area showed heavy debris flow, damaged routes, and washed-out riverbanks — typical signs of high-altitude flash floods. Helicopters have been kept on standby, but poor visibility has so far restricted aerial reconnaissance.
The Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are jointly handling the ongoing operation, while additional reinforcements are being moved in.
Harsil, located close to the Line of Actual Control and known for its strategic significance, is often used by the military for logistical movement. Monsoon-triggered incidents are not uncommon in the region, but this particular event has raised fresh concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters in the fragile Himalayan belt.
As the search continues, families of the missing personnel have been informed, and senior officials are closely monitoring the situation. Further updates are expected once teams gain better access to the remote flood-hit zone.
