The operation to rescue pilgrims stranded along a rain-ravaged trek route to the Himalayan Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand entered its third day on Saturday. More than 10,500 people have been evacuated, some airlifted by air force helicopters. However, owing to the bad weather, the rescue operation by the helicopter resumed after a brief halt.
Officials said around 1,300 pilgrims are stranded in Kedarnath, Bhimbali and Gaurikund, and are safe.
Indian Air Force's Chinook in action
Personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and police are engaged in the rescue operation. The Indian Air Force's Chinook and MI17 helicopters have been airlifting some pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police (SP) Vishakha Ashok Bhadane dismissed rumours of a large number of people missing following a cloudburst near the trek-route. "Almost all reported individuals have reached home," the official said and appealed to the public not to believe rumours. She added, "Many people may not be able to contact their families due to poor network and bad weather."
