The Maharashtra State Emergency Operations Centre is actively collaborating with disaster management teams in Uttarakhand to ensure families receive timely updates and necessary support
Despite ongoing bad weather, the road and communication networks in the affected areas are slowly being restored File pic.
The Maharashtra government is actively coordinating with the Uttarakhand administration after flash floods and landslides struck Dharali in Uttarkashi district, leaving 151 tourists from Maharashtra stranded, officials confirmed, reported PTI.
The disaster hit the ecologically fragile northern region on Tuesday afternoon, triggering widespread destruction. As of Thursday, 120 of the affected tourists have been contacted and are confirmed to be safe at an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp, officials said.
Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar has spoken with Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, requesting complete support to trace the remaining 31 missing tourists and to ensure their safe return home, reported PTI.
Among the tourists yet to be contacted are individuals from Thane (5), Solapur (4), Ahilyanagar (1), Nashik (4), Malegaon (3), Charkop-Kandivali (6), Mumbai suburbs (6), and Titwala (2), according to officials.
"Due to cloudy weather, poor mobile connectivity, and the 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.
As reported by PTI, Chief Secretary 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 other key officials.
Reassuring the public, Kumar appealed to families of the stranded tourists not to panic. He emphasised that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is personally monitoring the situation and remains in direct contact with the Uttarakhand administration. Plans are already being made to bring the tourists back via rail or air transport.
According to an official release, the state’s disaster control room remains in constant coordination with the National Emergency Response Centre, Uttarakhand’s State Disaster Management Authority, the District Control Room in Uttarkashi, and other relevant agencies, reported PTI.
The Maharashtra State Emergency Operations Centre is also actively collaborating with disaster management teams in Uttarakhand to ensure families receive timely updates and necessary support, the statement said.
Rescue operations are currently in progress, as per Uttarakhand authorities. All tourists are expected to be shifted from the Harsil helipad to Gangotri using helicopters, buses, and, if required, on foot, as reported by PTI.
Ten ITBP teams have been deployed, with each team responsible for escorting a group of 30 pilgrims to ensure their safety. Personnel from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local rescue teams are on the ground leading relief efforts.
Despite ongoing bad weather, the road and communication networks in the affected areas are slowly being restored. Restoration work is underway to ensure better access and coordination, reported PTI.
To improve connectivity, Special IG Rajeev Swaroop has activated satellite phones for smoother coordination between agencies. Assistance from the telecom department has also been requested to trace the last known locations of the missing tourists.
(Inputs from PTI)
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