Uttarakhand floods: The Gujarat government has launched a rapid rescue action to get back 141 tourists stranded in flash flood-hit Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district.  

Rescue Coordination Underway After Monsoon Havoc in Hill State

As Uttarakhand battles severe floods caused by relentless monsoon rains, Gujarat has swiftly responded to safeguard its citizens stranded in the region.

According to state spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Rishikesh Patel, all reported tourists from Patan, Banaskantha, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, and Vadodara are currently safe.

Following the directions of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat’s State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has established round-the-clock communication with Uttarakhand authorities to ensure the safe return of all affected tourists.

Tourists Sheltered and Receiving Assistance

Officials have confirmed that:

• 12 pilgrims from Harij (Patan) are safe and accounted for.
• 99 tourists from Ahmedabad are sheltered at Mandakini Guest House, with four receiving medical aid at local health centers.
• 10 individuals from Bhabhar (Banaskantha) have been reported safe.
• 15 Bhavnagar tourists are stationed 30 km from Dharali.
• Five tourists from Vadodara are currently sheltered at an Army camp in Gangotri.

Tour operators and local officials have played a key role in confirming the well-being of those stranded.

Floods Cause Widespread Damage

Uttarakhand is facing widespread devastation, with landslides, overflowing rivers, and damaged infrastructure severely impacting daily life. The Alaknanda, Mandakini, and Ganga rivers are flowing above danger levels, threatening low-lying villages and travel routes.

Bridges have been swept away, roads are submerged, and several districts are cut off due to landslides. The fragile mountain terrain has worsened the impact, prompting urgent rescue missions.

Relief and Caution Advised

Rescue operations by the NDRF, SDRF, and Indian Army are underway to assist stranded villagers and restore connectivity. The Uttarakhand government has advised citizens and pilgrims to avoid travel to high-risk areas, while dam levels are being closely monitored.

Meanwhile, Gujarat continues its proactive efforts to ensure the safety and return of its people, demonstrating a coordinated disaster response during this ongoing crisis.