The experts were airlifted after reaching Dehradun from Hyderabad. As it became difficult to reach Dharal village by road covering hilly terrain coupled with continuous rainfall and communication problems, the district administration airlifted the team to arrive at the village in the first week of August.

After reaching the village, the team has been assisting officials and other rescue teams to trace 66 people, including 24 Nepali labourers, reported missing since raging waters and mudslides buried virtually half of Dharali village in Uttarkashi a few days ago.

NGRI Director Dr. Prakash Kumar told Deccan Chronicle on Tuesday that experts were using Ground Penetrating Radars (GPRs), a geophysical method that uses radio waves to detect objects and structures below the surface.

“The radars of NGRI can detect human life even in the presence of mud and water. The GPR surveys will also detect anomalies within the debris. In a simpler term, we can say that it is like doing ultrasound scanning below the surface,” he explained, adding that the same methodology was used to locate people trapped in the SLBC tunnel collapse in Telangana in February this year

Prakash Kumar said the team was deputed following a request from the State government of Uttarakhand. He said the NGRI was ready to send more equipment and manpower, if necessary, to Dharal village to intensify the relief and rescue operations.

“We are coordinating with the district administration in Uttarkashi to extend all possible help,” he said. According to officials, 24 Nepali labourers and 42 others are reported missing since the tragedy struck the village on August 5.