Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], August 7 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday held a meeting with officials at Disaster Control Room and reviewed rescue and relief operations in disaster affected areas.

In a post on X, the CM stated that instructions were given to officials to exercise extra sensitivity, especially women, children and elderly.

https://x.com/pushkardhami/status/1953468634917163143

The CM further stated that rescue operations were being carried out at a fast pace.

'Upon reaching the Disaster Control Room in Uttarkashi, I reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations in the disaster-affected areas. During this, instructions were given to officials to exercise extra sensitivity, especially towards women, children, and the elderly. Rescue operations are being carried out at a fast pace through MI 17 and Chinook helicopter,' the post read.

Prioritising the problems of the residents, the CM also sent Instructions to officials to inform the state government in case of any special assistance.

'I have clearly told the officials that if there is a need for special assistance from the state government at any level, they should inform immediately. Resolving the problems of the affected residents is our top priority, and we are fully prepared to take every necessary step for this,' the post read.

The CM also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his full support during the critical situations, further stating that the collective response of the government was to carry out relief and rescue operations until every person reached home safely.

'Under the guidance of the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, we are receiving full support from the central government. NDRF, Army, Air Force, and all agencies are engaged in relief operations under a coordinated strategy. Our collective resolve is one: 'Until every person reaches home safely, the relief and rescue operations will not stop,' the post further read.

The state has been witnessing heavy monsoon-triggered disruptions, especially in its higher-altitude regions, prompting large-scale evacuation and relief operations led by multiple agencies.

On Tuesday, two cloudbursts, one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area near Dharali, caused widespread destruction, with Dharali bearing the brunt.

So far, 274 people have been rescued from Dharali, with the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), along with ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, BRO, and local volunteers engaged in a joint rescue and relief operation to search for the missing.

Three civilian deaths have been confirmed so far, while over 50 people are still reported missing, as per the administration. (ANI)