Rescue operations in Uttarakhand's flash flood-ravaged Uttarkashi district gained momentum on Thursday, with 65 stranded people airlifted to Matli, officials said. Efforts were also stepped up to airlift advanced equipment to the Himalayan village of Dharali to speed up the search for those trapped under rubble, they said.

After a cloudburst in Dharali near Gangotri, massive joint rescue efforts by the Indian Army, NDRF, ITBP and SDRF are underway. Over 230 people have been rescued as operations continue under tough weather conditions.

A cloudburst struck Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district on Tuesday afternoon which triggered a mudslide and flash floods in Dharali village.