Choppers search for dozens of missing people as mudslides cut off Indian village for 3rd day

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – India on Thursday deployed helicopters in a rescue operation that entered its third day, after a mudslide and flash floods struck a village in the northern state of Uttarakhand earlier this week.

The Indian Army, Air Force, and several other agencies are conducting a major operation to locate more than 50 people missing since a cloudburst triggered the mudslide that buried parts of Dharali village on Tuesday.

The affected area has remained cut off due to landslides and road collapses.

Lt. Gen. Navin Sachdeva, commander of Indian Army’s Central Command, said in a statement that the military has significantly intensified its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the affected region.

The rescue efforts are “being actively supported by drones for aerial reconnaissance and locating stranded individuals in inaccessible areas," he said.

Dozens of people have been rescued so far, according to officials.

The army confirmed that three civilians have died, while more than 50 others, including nine soldiers, remain missing after extensive damage was caused to an army post during the disaster.

"Civilian and military teams are working round the clock to rescue stranded people, provide relief, and restore connectivity,” according to the statement.