Uttarkashi cloudburst: Rescue teams battle heavy rains, road blocks and fog

In Uttarakhand, rescue operations are underway following flash floods that have severely impacted connectivity and ground access. Teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP are deployed, providing rescue, medical facilities, shelter, and ration. Roads, including National Highway 34 and the critical Dharali approach, are badly damaged or washed away, creating a huge hurdle for operations. Persistent heavy rains, thick fog, and dense cloud cover have severely hampered visibility, grounding helicopters and slowing foot operations. Air services are currently unsafe due to these conditions. Tourists in areas like Gangotri are also impacted as roads leading to them are cut off. Authorities are clearing debris and uprooted trees to restore access. Reports suggest many people are trapped, and the death toll is mounting. Rescuers are racing against time and weather.