Komal, who lost her husband Shubham when his guesthouse was swept away, shared her anguish: "It's been 83 days since I saw him. I observed Karwa Chauth for his long life, but how can I forget?" She stayed in Dharali for over a month before relocating to Uttarkashi. Around 20 families still camp near the site, clinging to hope.
Saurabh Panwar, 32, visits the 30-foot debris pile daily, staring for hours in search of his brother Gaurav. "I can't forget him; I'm on antidepressants," he said. Youth in the area are increasingly relying on anti-depression medication.
The crisis deepened when Sarojini Devi jumped into the Bhagirathi River. Her son Pradeep revealed the family's compensation of ₹5 lakh was deducted by banks for loan installments, exacerbating their loss of home, hotel, garden, and vehicle. "This broke my mother. I'm also in counseling," he added.
SDM Bhatwari Shalini Negi confirmed mental health camps are underway, with doctors providing counseling. Investigations into suicides have begun.
As winter approaches, families like Suratdevi's live in government-provided tents amid biting cold and impending snowfall. "How will we endure?" survivors ask.
The Dharali landslide has evolved into a mental health emergency, with halted rescues amplifying grief. Authorities urge continued support for affected families.
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