Rescue operation saves saints trapped in flash flood in northern India
by Aditi VermaIn a dramatic rescue mission, police and SDRF teams successfully saved saints stranded in a flash flood in northern India’s Uttarakhand. The operation, captured on video, highlights the perilous conditions and the heroic efforts of the rescuers.
The incident took place near the Badrinath shrine in the Charan Paduka area in Chamoli district on the evening of August 07.
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Visuals showed the rescue team was working tirelessly to save the saints trapped in the floodwaters. They used ropes and other equipment to navigate the challenging conditions. The scene was dramatic: the water was flowing powerfully and rapidly, creating dangerous and unstable conditions. To safely evacuate the saints, the rescuers established a makeshift path across the rushing water. Each saint was carefully assisted one by one, using the ropes for support to ensure they were moved to safety. The floodwaters were high and forceful, making the operation intricate and perilous, but the combined efforts of the rescue team ensured that each individual was safely brought to the secure side.
Speaking to Newslions, SDRF Control Room Coordinator Lalita Negi stated that the information was received from Kotwali Badrinath that some sadhus had lost their way near Charan Paduka. Responding immediately, a rescue team led by Sub Inspector Shri Deepak Samant left for the spot at 07:10. The rescue team reached the spot after trekking 3 km on a difficult and inaccessible mountain path.
The sadhus rescued were Baba Sarveshwar, age 32 years, resident of Kham Chowk, Jitendra Giri Maharaj, age 38 years, Shivanand Saraswati, age 31 years, resident of Patal Ganga Lanchi, and Baba Harilal, age 82 years, resident of Kham Chowk. The rescue team took these sadhus to a safe ashram.The rescue team was comprised of SI Deepak Samant, ASI Mangal Bhakuni, Constable Harish Goswami, Constable Devendra Lal, Constable Krishna Karki, Constable Narendra Lal, Constable Sandeep, and Paramedics Rahul Bhandari.
According to reports, saints traveling near the Badrinath shrine in Uttarakhand found themselves trapped in a flash flood in the Charan Paduka area. With the torrential waters threatening their safety, a combined effort by Uttarakhand Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was crucial in rescuing them.
This incident is part of a series of challenges faced in Uttarakhand due to heavy rainfall, which has caused rivers and streams to swell. Recent severe weather, including cloudbursts and landslides, has disrupted travel and put many lives at risk. For instance, a similar situation occurred near Kedarnath, where a cloudburst led to thousands of pilgrims being stranded. The Army’s helicopters were deployed for their rescue.
The recent weather disturbances have caused extensive disruptions across the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, forcing residents and travelers to navigate dangerous conditions. The efforts of the SDRF and local authorities in these emergencies underscore their commitment to safeguarding lives amidst nature’s fury.