Uttarakhand landslides, flash floods: Maharashtra govt has contacted 120 tourists, 31 unreachable

Mumbai, Aug 7 (PTI) The Maharashtra government is in constant touch with the Uttarakhand administration after landslides and flash floods in Dharali area of Uttarkashi district there left 151 tourists from the western state stranded, officials said on Thursday.

The disaster struck the ecologically fragile area in the northern state on Tuesday afternoon.

So far, 120 of these tourists have been contacted and they are reported to be safe at an Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp, they said.

Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar spoke to his Uttarakhand counterpart Anand Bardhan requesting all necessary assistance in locating the remaining 31 tourists and facilitating their return.

Tourists yet to be contacted include individuals from Thane (5), Solapur (4), Ahilyanagar (1), Nashik (4), Malegaon (3), Charkop-Kandivali (6), Mumbai suburbs (6), and Titwala (2), the officials said.

"Due to cloudy weather, poor mobile connectivity, and lack of charging facilities, communication with the remaining tourists has been disrupted. Bardhan assured Kumar that efforts are underway to trace them and ensure their safety," an official said.

Kumar chaired a review meeting at the state disaster management control room, which was attended by Additional Chief Secretary for Relief and Rehabilitation Sonia Sethi, and Disaster Management Director Dr Bhalchandra Chavan, among others.

Kumar urged families of the tourists not to panic, stating that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is personally monitoring the situation and is in touch with Uttarakhand officials. Arrangements are being planned to bring back the tourists by rail or air transport.

The state's disaster control room is in continuous coordination with the National Emergency Response Centre, Uttarakhand's State Disaster Management Authority, the District Control Room in Uttarkashi, and other concerned agencies, an official release said.

The Maharashtra State Emergency Operations Centre is actively working with Uttarakhand's disaster management teams to ensure timely updates and support to the families, the release said.

According to Uttarakhand authorities, rescue operations are underway. All tourists will be moved from Harsil helipad to Gangotri using helicopters, buses, and on foot if necessary.

Ten ITBP teams, each responsible for escorting 30 pilgrims, have been deployed for their protection. Army, NDRF, SDRF and local rescue units are already on the ground in the affected area.

Due to bad weather, road and communication infrastructure is still not fully restored, but restoration efforts are ongoing.

Satellite phones have been activated by Special IG Rajeev Swaroop for coordination, and help from the telecom department is being sought to trace the last known location of the missing tourists. PTI MR BNM