Uttarakhand Aug 05: cloudburst struck at 1:45 pm near the Dharali village area, just 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harshil.

“Despite being cut off and the unit base of the unit being adversely affected, and 11 personnel feared missing, the team continues to operate with unwavering determination,” read an official update of mudslide relief operations.

“Their grit under extreme adversity reflects the true spirit of the Indian Army, resilient, selfless and always ready to serve the Nation. In the meantime, additional columns are being moved to be pressed into rescue operations,” it said.

Dharali is the main stopover on the way to Gangotri and is home to many hotels, restaurants and homestays. The cloudburst occurred in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga River, leading to devastating floods, locals said.

Cloudbursts are counted as among the most devastating natural disasters in the Indian Himalayas