IAF helicopters join operation to rescue 1,500 stuck on Kedarnath route | India News – Times of India

The 16-km trek route, commencing from Gaurikund, suffered extensive damage, with certain parts completely obliterated at Ghoda Padav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi and Bhimbali.

DEHRADUN: Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Chinook and MI-17 helicopters joined ongoing rescue efforts in Rudraprayag district on Friday to evacuate around 1,500 people, mainly pilgrims, who have been stranded for nearly 48 hours along Kedarnath trek route. Kedarnath shrine remained “inaccessible” while death toll rose to 17.
The 16-km trek route, commencing from Gaurikund, suffered extensive damage, with certain parts completely obliterated at Ghoda Padav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi and Bhimbali.Further, two bridges near Rambara were washed away. Pilgrims found themselves stranded beyond Bhimbali along Gaurikund-Kedarnath route after almost 25m road stretch was washed away by flash floods caused by swollen Mandakini river.
IAF posted on X, “IAF Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters are strategically positioned at Gaucher, actively deploying NDRF teams, relief material and conducting search and rescue operations.” Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami to enquire about relief and rescue efforts and assured him of help. According to state govt, by Friday, around 9,000 people had been rescued on the ground, while 1,460 were airlifted. “In the morning, IAF MI-17 helicopter landed in Kedarnath and rescued 15 people. State govt has engaged four more choppers for rescue.