5,000 Pilgrims Evacuated from Kedarnath Trek Route; IAF Helicopters Join Rescue Operations
Kedarnath, 2nd August 2024: On Friday, the Indian Air Force’s Chinook and MI17 helicopters joined the rescue efforts in Uttarakhand to help evacuate pilgrims stranded on the damaged trek route to Kedarnath. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reported that since the rescue operations began on Thursday morning, a total of 5,000 people have been brought to safety.
The evacuees have been rescued either through airlift operations or by State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. Dhami explained, “The heavy rains have caused significant damage. However, the government, along with NDRF, SDRF, district administration, and disaster management departments, is fully engaged in the rescue efforts. Following my request to the Prime Minister’s Office, the IAF’s Chinook and MI17 helicopters have also been deployed.”
Dhami added that if weather conditions remain favourable, the evacuation of all stranded pilgrims could be completed by this evening. Home Minister Amit Shah has also contacted Dhami to offer support and assurance for ongoing relief and rescue operations.
The Kedarnath trek route suffered severe damage due to a cloudburst near Junglechatti on Wednesday night. Two helplines, 7579257572 and 01364-233387, along with an emergency number 112, have been set up by the district administration to provide information to those seeking updates on their stranded relatives.
The pilgrims became stranded beyond Bhimbali on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trek after a significant stretch of road was washed away by the Mandakini River. The path to the Himalayan temple remains obstructed by boulders at several locations, including Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi, and Bhimbali. Despite these challenges, officials confirmed that the stranded pilgrims are safe and have received approximately 5,000 food packets.
The Kedarnath yatra has been temporarily suspended, with the district administration advising pilgrims to stay put until the route is cleared and restored. On Thursday, over 3,000 pilgrims were safely evacuated through aerial and ground rescue efforts, and the deployment of Chinook and MI17 helicopters was initiated to expedite these operations following a situation update from the Prime Minister’s Office.
