26 Nepalese workers were trapped in Uttarakhand’s flash floods after a cloudburst; only 2 survived. One shared a heart-wrenching final call.
Tragedy in Uttarakashi: A Father’s Final Call
As cloudburst-triggered flash floods tore through Harsil Valley in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi, Nepalese migrant labourer Vijay Singh received a devastating call from his son.
“Papa, we won’t survive, there is a lot of water in the drain,” his son cried over the phone — moments before going missing.
26 Nepalese Workers, Only 2 Survive
Vijay Singh and his wife Kali Devi were part of a group of 26 labourers from Nepal working on road and bridge construction in the valley.
On Tuesday, around noon, they left for Bhatwari, 47 km away — a decision that may have saved their lives.
The remaining 24 workers, including their children, stayed back. By Wednesday, all were unreachable.
Washed Away: No Access, No Signal
On foot, the couple tried to return to Gangawadi, leading to Harsil Valley, but a vital bridge had been washed away in the floods.
“Had I known about the flood, I would never have left my children behind,” said Kali Devi, pleading with the government for help to reach the valley.
Missing Soldiers, Crumbled Villages
The disaster did not spare security forces. Reports say 11 army jawans also went missing during the floods.
Dharali village, near Harsil and en route to Gangotri, was among the worst hit — with at least 5 confirmed deaths.
Flash floods swept through homes, trees, and vehicles, trapping dozens.
Search & Rescue Underway
With roads breached and communication snapped, rescue efforts faced delays.
Now, airlifts are transporting equipment to speed up operations, and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is on-site monitoring relief.
NDRF, SDRF, and local teams are working relentlessly to find the missing and support stranded pilgrims.
Also Read : 28 Kerala Tourists Missing After Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Uttarakhand
