Relief and Rescue Operations Continue on War Footing in Tharali

Tharali, Chamoli: Relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing in Tharali market and nearby areas following heavy rains and debris flow from Toonri Gadera late Friday night.

On the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, teams from the District Administration, SDRF, NDRF, Army, SSB, ITBP, Police and Fire Department are engaged in intensive operations. The CM is personally monitoring developments and receiving updates from Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Secretary (Disaster Management) Vinod Kumar Suman and District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari.

The Chief Minister expressed grief over the death of a young girl, whose body was recovered from the debris, and assured that the government stands with the people of Tharali in this difficult time. Search operations continue for another missing person in Chepado Bazaar.

SEOC Monitoring

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan reached the State Emergency Operations Center on Saturday morning, directing swift restoration of roads, electricity, drinking water, and communication lines. He instructed that relief material and resources be deployed without delay.

Senior officers, including Additional Secretary Anand Swaroop, DIG Rajkumar Negi and Joint CEO Mohd. Obaidullah Ansari, are coordinating agencies from the control room. A helicopter has been kept on standby at Gauchar for emergency deployment, though poor weather has delayed flights.

Situation on Ground

According to Secretary Disaster Management, debris entered Chepado and Kotdweep Bazaars, damaging 10–12 houses, partially flooding another 20–25, and completely destroying 2. Several vehicles were buried and multiple key roads blocked. Electricity poles and wires have also been damaged. Five JCBs are clearing debris on priority.

Relief Arrangements

Over 150 affected people have been shifted to safe shelters at the tehsil premises, Government Polytechnic Kulsari and Shaheed Bhavani Dutt Inter College Chepado. Food, water, medical care and other basic facilities have been arranged.

The Health Department has deployed 4 medical officers, 6 nurses, an ambulance team at CHC Tharali, with 2 additional ambulances and specialist doctors from SDM Karnaprayag, and one medical officer from PHC Dewal.

District Administration at Ground Zero

District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari is personally supervising operations along with SP Sarvesh Panwar. More than 150 officers and personnel from various departments and forces are on the ground. He appealed to local residents to remain patient and assured that all efforts are being made to normalize the situation quickly.

In view of heavy rains, holidays have been declared in all schools of Tharali, Dewal and Narayanbagh blocks. Residents have been urged to stay in safe places and immediately inform the local administration in case of emergencies.