Passengers stranded in Kedarnath were evacuated safely with the help of Chinook helicopter
– Photo : Amar Ujala
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Air Force’s Chinook and MI17 helicopters have also been deployed in the rescue operation to rescue people trapped in the devastation caused by cloudburst in Uttarakhand. More than 6,980 pilgrims stranded on the way to Kedarnath have been rescued safely so far, while more than 1,500 devotees and local people are still stranded on the way. Out of these, 150 people are not able to be contacted by their families. At the same time, the death toll in the devastation caused by cloudburst in three districts of Himachal Pradesh has risen to 8 and 45 people are still missing, whose search has been intensified.
Sonprayag’s Superintendent of Police Dr. Vishakha Ashok Bhadane said that so far one traveler has died due to heavy rains. Apart from this, there have been no other casualties. The families of more than 150 people told the police that they are unable to contact their loved ones. All of them had come for Kedarnath Yatra. Many of these people are locals as well. The SP says that due to lack of mobile connectivity in the area, people are unable to be contacted. Earlier, State Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman had said that 1,000 people are still stranded in Kedarnath, but they are completely safe. There is no disaster-like situation there.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Dhami over the phone on Friday. He inquired about the relief and rescue operations going on after the disaster. He also assured all possible help in dealing with the situation. CM Dhami said that on his request, Air Force’s Chinook and MI 17 helicopters have also been engaged in the rescue operation.
Rescue operations by air and foot
Rescue operations are being carried out at a fast pace using air force helicopters as well as on foot. Officials said that on Friday 599 people were airlifted and 2,380 were evacuated on foot to safer places.
- Sonprayag District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar said that the passengers evacuated from the footpath are being sent to Rishikesh in small and big vehicles. The health department also treated 286 sick passengers in Gaurikund, Sonprayag and Shersi.
20-25 meters of road was washed away in Bhimbali
Due to cloudburst in Junglechatti near Lincholi on Wednesday night at around 9.30 pm, after heavy rains on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath walking path, 20-25 meters of road in Bhimbali was washed away and huge boulders fell from the mountains. After this, the road to Rambada, Bhimbali Lincholi was completely closed. Due to cloudburst, a 30 meter road on the Kedarnath Yatra route has submerged in the Mandakini river. Due to this, a large number of pilgrims were stuck beyond Bhimbali on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath Yatra route.
Food packets are being distributed to people stranded at halts
The district administration is making arrangements for food for the pilgrims stranded on the Kedarnath footpath and other pilgrimage stops. District Supply Officer KS Kohli said, till Friday afternoon, about 18,000 food packets and 35,000 water bottles have been made available at Kedarnath, Lincholi, Bhimbali, Sonprayag, Shersi, Guptkashi and Chaumasi and other places and pilgrimage stops. Apart from this, food is being provided at various places with the help of GMVN and local traders.
Death toll in Himachal rises to 8, 45 still missing
With the recovery of three more bodies, the death toll due to flash floods in Kullu, Mandi Padhar and Nirmand, Sainj and Malana areas of Shimla’s Rampur subdivision has risen to eight, officials said. 45 people are still missing and are being searched for. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu visited Samej on the border of Shimla and Kullu districts to take stock of the situation. He said the missing people included 17-18 women and 8-9 children. He also announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 for the victims and a rent of Rs 5,000 per month for the next three months. Apart from this, gas, food items and other essential items will also be provided.