400 still stranded on Kedarnath route as rescue operation continues for 5th day (2024)

As rescue efforts on the damaged Kedarnath yatra route entered their fifth day, more than 130 individuals were airlifted to safety on Monday. Improved weather conditions in the Kedar Valley facilitated the use of larger helicopters, such as the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Chinook and MI-17, which replaced smaller aircraft that had been used previously. By 9 am on Monday, 133 people had been successfully evacuated from Kedarnath Dham, according to news reports.

Rescue Teams and Evacuations

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other teams have been actively involved in moving people from Kedarnath Dham to Lincholi. From Lincholi, they will be airlifted to the Shersi helipad. According to Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, a total of 10,374 individuals have been rescued from various points along the yatra route, including Kedarnath, Lincholi, Bhimbali, and Gaurikund. As of the latest reports, only 350 pilgrims remain in Kedarnath and 50 in Lincholi.

Weather Challenges and Infrastructure Repairs

Dense cloud cover on Sunday severely hindered air operations, preventing the IAF's Chinook helicopter from making any sorties. The MI-17 helicopter managed to evacuate only 60 people through three flights. Besides the remaining pilgrims, the area now primarily hosts priests, shopkeepers, and operators of horses and palanquins, who will also be evacuated if they choose to leave.

The heavy rainfall and cloudburst on July 31 had washed away the Kedarnath trek route in several locations, including Lincholi, Bhimbali, Ghorapadav, and Rambada, and caused damage at other points due to landslides. This left many devotees stranded.

In response, the Army has begun constructing a footbridge on the Sonprayag-Gaurikund road, which had been washed away. A trolley has been installed in Sonprayag to assist the elderly, sick, and differently-abled individuals. Additionally, the Army has deployed two sniffer dogs to aid in the search and rescue operations. The search from Lincholi to Rambada has been completed without finding any victims. NDRF teams are continuing their search in the forests and along the Mandakini River, as some individuals may have taken refuge in the wooded areas to escape the rain.

Government and Local Efforts

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the rescue operations and has praised the local community for their support. In a social media post, Dhami highlighted the local culture of "Atithi Devo Bhava" (the guest is God) and acknowledged the vital role of residents in aiding the rescue efforts.

The IAF's MI-17 and Chinook helicopters have been crucial in evacuating people, dropping them off at the Chardham helipad and Gauchar airstrip. The Ministry of Defence has provided updates on social media, noting that the IAF continues its operations from Guptakashi and Gauchar, conducting multiple sorties to rescue stranded individuals.

In addition, the Uttarakhand government has established a medical camp in Gauchar to provide assistance to those being rescued. Chief Minister Dhami has once again expressed his gratitude to the local population for their invaluable help, emphasizing the community spirit that has contributed to the ongoing rescue operations.

Earlier in the day, dog squads under District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajawar initiated search operations from Rambara to Bhimbali in Rudraprayag, continuing their efforts to locate any remaining individuals affected by the disaster.

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