Uttarkashi rescue operation: Sniffer dogs, GPR technique, cameras hunt for survivors; 1,378 airlifted
In Uttarkashi's flood-hit Dharali, rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors buried under debris. For the first time, corpse search dogs and advanced cameras are being used. The area, once bustling, now lies buried under rubble as deep as a three-storey building.
Uttarkashi: Six days after a devastating flash flood tore through Dharali village in Uttarkashi, rescue operations are underway with unprecedented urgency and technology.
The once-bustling Dharali Bazaar is now buried under debris as high as 45 to 50 feet—enough to submerge a three-storey hotel. Rescue teams are using sniffer dogs, drones, and advanced equipment to search for survivors and recover bodies.
NDRF used its K-9 corpse search team in a civilian disaster for the first time
For the first time in India, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed its K-9 corpse search team in a civilian disaster. These dogs, trained to detect human remains buried under rubble, have previously proven their capabilities in international operations like Turkey’s earthquake (Operation Dost) and Myanmar’s Operation Brahma. In Dharali, six dogs are working in rotation, sniffing through the debris and alerting handlers to possible human remains.
Two of the dogs are specially trained to detect decomposing human scent
DIG Gambhir Singh Chauhan of the NDRF confirmed that two of the dogs are specially trained to detect decomposing human scent. "Once they indicate a spot, our teams begin debris removal in that area,” he said. The dogs are navigating terrain where machines cannot reach, offering hope in narrowing search zones.
GPR, victim locating cameras, and thermal imaging devices to locate survivors
Alongside NDRF, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is using state-of-the-art tools like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), victim locating cameras, and thermal imaging devices. These cameras, mounted on long rods, can peer into narrow gaps and collapsed structures, transmitting visuals and even enabling two-way communication with trapped individuals. Thermal cameras detect heat signatures, helping locate survivors even in complete darkness or under thick mud.
SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said, "We are using CSSR techniques and victim locating cameras to find people trapped inside buried houses. The operation is extremely challenging due to the depth and spread of the debris.”
1,378 people have been airlifted from Harsil to Matli helipad, Chinyalisaur airport, and Dehradun
So far, over 1,378 people have been airlifted from Harsil to Matli helipad, Chinyalisaur airport, and Dehradun. However, the exact number of missing remains unclear. Many of the trapped are believed to be labourers from Bihar and Nepal, as well as tourists staying in hotels and homestays when the flood struck.
More than 1,000 personnel are involved
The rescue operation is being carried out by a multi-agency force including the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), NDRF, SDRF, and local administration. More than 1,000 personnel are involved, working in shifts to clear debris and locate survivors. Helicopters, including Mi-17s and Chinooks, are ferrying equipment and evacuating stranded people.
Second phase of the search and rescue operation in disaster-hit Dharali.
The police have launched the second phase of the search and rescue operation in disaster-hit Dharali. For this, IG SDRF Arun Mohan Joshi has been appointed as the Incident Commander, while SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi has been designated as the Deputy Commander.
Police to remain on high alert 24 hours
Uttarakhand DGP directed teams to accelerate the search operation by fully utilizing technical and human resources, including drones, thermal imaging cameras, victim locating cameras, and dog squads. He also instructed the police to remain on high alert 24 hours a day and ensure real-time reporting of all activities, so that swift decisions can be made in case of any need or emergency.