The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters to aid in the ongoing rescue operations in Uttarakhand following a devastating cloudburst that severely damaged the trek route to Kedarnath. The cloudburst struck Junglechatti near Lincholi on Wednesday night, leading to significant disruptions and leaving many pilgrims stranded.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been actively involved in the rescue efforts, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announcing that approximately 5,000 individuals have been evacuated since the operation began early Thursday morning. Some of these evacuations have been facilitated by airlifting operations.
Chief Minister Dhami highlighted the extensive damage caused by the heavy rains and expressed gratitude for the support from the IAF, which was requested through the Prime Minister’s Office. “If the weather remains favorable, we expect to evacuate all stranded pilgrims by this evening,” Dhami said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also been in contact with Dhami, offering assurances of continued support to manage the crisis.
As of 3:30 p.m. on Friday, nearly 2,100 people have been rescued, with over 3,000 pilgrims evacuated on Thursday alone. The NDRF and SDRF teams have been working both aerially and on the ground to ensure the safety of those affected. In addition to the rescue operations, the state government has distributed 18,000 food packets and 35,000 water bottles to the stranded pilgrims in affected areas including Kedarnath, Lincholi, Bhimbali, Sonprayag, Shersi, Guptkashi, and Chaimasi.
The Additional Chief Medical Officer, Vimal Gusain, reported that 286 individuals have received medical care. To assist the stranded pilgrims and their families, the district administration has set up helplines at 7579257572 and 01364-233387, and an emergency number, 112.
The yatra to Kedarnath has been temporarily suspended, and an advisory has been issued advising pilgrims to remain where they are until the trek route is cleared of debris and restored. The road to the Himalayan temple has been blocked by boulders at multiple points, including Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi, and Bhimbali, following the destructive forces of the Mandakini river.
Sources By Agencies