(MENAFN) A large-scale rescue mission is in progress in northern India after a devastating mudslide and flash floods, triggered by a cloudburst, struck the village of Dharali in Uttarakhand state on Tuesday. Around 100 people remain unaccounted for, prompting an urgent and extensive search effort.

Emergency teams have already managed to pull several individuals to safety, but the operation continues amid difficult conditions. “Rescue operations are ongoing at a war footing,” Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Wednesday. “We are working with full vigilance and promptness to ensure that swift and adequate assistance reaches the affected,” he added.

The Indian Army reported that nine of its personnel are among the missing. In response, more army units have been deployed to the scene, supported by tracker dogs, drones, logistics drones, and heavy machinery to speed up the operation.

“Army and Air Force helicopters for essential supplies, medicines and evacuation of the marooned are also being coordinated. In the meanwhile, residents have been moved to higher reaches in view of rising water levels due to incessant rains,” the Army’s Central Command stated on X.

Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth described the situation as serious and confirmed that four people have died so far.

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