New Delhi: As search and rescue teams from the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF work tirelessly after the devastating cloudburst near Harsil, a special group of heroes is quietly making a big impact: six four-legged soldiers and their dedicated handlers.
These trained Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs from the Indian Army are navigating mud, rubble, and soaked ground to do what machines often cannot: find survivors.
Their names; Sara, Opana, Jansi, Hazel, June, and Rahi, may sound gentle, but their work is far away from being the same. Capable of detecting even the faintest scent of life beneath up to seven feet of debris, this pack is capable of scanning more than 5 acres in under an hour, matching the effort of 20 soldiers with high-tech gear.
Considering the current situation when seconds can mean the difference between life and death, their speed and accuracy are lifesaving.
Following the cloudburst on August 5 that ravaged the Dharali valley with landslides and flash floods, these canine soldiers were quickly flown in from Meerut, Dehradun, and Lucknow and deployed by the Indian Army’s Central Command.
Sara, Opana, and Jansi had just completed SAR training at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre and College. Despite their youth, they are already experienced, having participated in earlier rescue efforts during the floods in Wayanad (Kerala) and Rampur (Himachal Pradesh).
June, one of the first responders, along with handler ADT Ghevarlal D Patel, had been in Harsil since May. As the rains poured and water levels rose, their rescue convoy narrowly avoided being swept away. Stranded but determined, they pressed on, ready to help.
As the disaster's extent became clear, more reinforcements arrived.
Dog Rahi was sent from Dehradun but faced blocked roads just 60 km short of Harsil. On August 7, when the weather permitted, Sara, Opana, Jansi, and Hazel were airlifted in, braving the dangerous conditions to join the mission.
At high altitudes, in relentless rain, and on unstable ground, these dogs have shown incredible courage, obedience, and stamina. With each successful rescue, whether of a trapped survivor or a missing loved one, they have brought not just results, but also hope and closure to grieving families.
“These dogs are not just trained, they're trusted,” said an Army spokesperson. “They bring unmatched speed and accuracy to our operations. But more than that, their presence provides emotional support to both rescuers and survivors.”
From Wayanad to Rampur, and now Dharali, these canine heroes have shown time and time again why they are some of the Army’s most valuable assets in times of crisis. In situations where machines fail and human hands cannot reach, these four-legged warriors continue their work, sniffing, searching, and saving lives.
