9 Soldiers Feared Missing After Flash Floods Hit Army Camp In Uttarakhand's Harshil

Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 22:18 IST

A cloudburst near Harshil Army camp in Uttarakhand caused flash floods and a mudslide, leaving 9 Army personnel missing.

The cloudburst occurred in the Kheer Ganga River’s catchment area, just 4 km from the Indian Army base at Harshil.

At least nine Indian Army personnel are feared missing after a cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods and a mudslide near the Harshil Army camp in Uttarakhand’s Dharali village. The cloudburst, which sparked a large-scale rescue operation under punishing weather conditions, occurred in the Kheer Ganga River’s catchment area, just 4 km from the Indian Army base at Harshil.

The Army confirmed the deployment of 150 personnel, led by Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of the 14 RAJRIF battalion, who are on the ground directing search and rescue operations.

Follow LIVE updates on Uttarakhand flash floods here

“In wake of the devastating mudslide at Kheer Gad, Dharali, Col Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 RAJRIF, is personally leading 150 personnel in critical rescue and relief operations," the Army said in a statement. Despite being cut off and the base adversely affected, the team remains operational. So far, 20 civilians have been rescued, with operations continuing amid torrential rain and collapsed connectivity.

“Their grit under extreme adversity reflects the true spirit of the Indian Army- resilient, selfless and always ready to serve the Nation. In the meantime, additional columns are being moved to be pressed into rescue operations," the statement added.

Read more: People, Buildings Swept Away As Uttarkashi Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc, Horrific Visuals Emerge

Harshil Camp Hit, 9 Feared Missing

The Army confirmed that 9 soldiers are still unaccounted for but said that personnel are working relentlessly to locate them despite adverse terrain and constant rainfall hampering mobility. Dharali, a popular halt on the Char Dham route, saw water levels rise rapidly after the cloudburst. Several buildings have been damaged and connectivity to the region remains severely disrupted.

Uttarakhand CM, Officials Respond

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the situation “distressing" and said teams from the SDRF, NDRF and district administration are carrying out operations on a war footing.

“The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing," the CM posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Location :

Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India

First Published:

August 05, 2025, 22:17 IST

News india 9 Soldiers Feared Missing After Flash Floods Hit Army Camp In Uttarakhand's Harshil

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