In a dramatic scene from flood-hit Uttarakhand, India, a man was rescued after clinging to an electricity pole for more than four hours as raging waters threatened to sweep him away.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) carried out the daring rescue, pulling the man to safety amid powerful currents triggered by a devastating cloudburst.

According to the New Indian Express, at least 17 people have been confirmed dead and dozens remain missing as heavy floods continue to wreak havoc across the region.

Local authorities have deployed emergency teams to search for survivors and provide relief to displaced families. The floods have also caused widespread destruction of homes, roads, and farmland, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to sudden extreme weather events.

The rescued man’s survival has been hailed as a symbol of hope amid the ongoing tragedy, drawing praise for the quick action of the NDRF teams on the ground.