DEHRADUN, Aug 4 : Rescue operations in Uttarakhand continued at a war footing on Sunday, following heavy rainfall on July 31 that disrupted the Kedarnath area and travel routes.
As of evening, 10,374 individuals had been safely evacuated, bringing the total number rescued to 19,473 despite adverse weather conditions. Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, reported significant damage to infrastructure due to the torrential rainfall. He noted that dense clouds in Kedarnath and along the travel routes have been causing disruptions to rescue operations.
The Indian Air Force’s Chinook helicopters have not yet been able to fly due to poor weather, and only three flights have been made by MI-17 helicopters, rescuing 60 people. Efforts are being made with smaller helicopters to evacuate people. Today, approximately 400 individuals were transported on foot from Kedarnath to Lincholi and then airlifted to various helipads including Char Dham and Sirsi. A total of 640 people were rescued from Lincholi and Bhimbali, with 80 from Kedarnath, bringing the day’s total to 2,622. Suman added that 567 people were evacuated from Bhimbali and Lincholi to Chaumasi Kalimath, and 7,185 people from Gauri Kund to Sonprayag. Currently, no passengers are left in Gauri Kund, with only local residents and service providers remaining. Approximately 50 passengers are still in Lincholi, and about 350 are in Kedarnath. The Chief Minister has instructed that all individuals wishing to descend be rescued as needed. Adequate food supplies are being continuously provided at all necessary locations. A special search operation is underway for those unable to contact their families. BSNL telecommunication services have been restored in Gauri Kund, aiding the search efforts. For any updates or concerns, people can contact the helpline numbers: Landline 01364-233727, 297878, 297879, Mobile 7579257572, 8958757335, 7579104738. The ongoing search and rescue operations involve NDRF, SDRF, police, administration, and task force personnel, with the assistance of sniffer dogs. (UNI)
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