Rescue Efforts Continue as Rudraprayag Grapples with Rain's Aftermath

Rescue operations in Rudraprayag persist following severe rains that disrupted the Kedarnath route. More than 3,000 people have been rescued, with around 1,000 still awaiting rescue. Officials assure safety and provision of necessary supplies, while helicopters and drones aid the ongoing efforts.

Rescue and restoration efforts continued unabated on Friday in Rudraprayag after heavy rains caused significant damage to the route leading to Kedarnath Dham, according to a senior official. Uttarakhand Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported that approximately 3,000 stranded individuals have been rescued so far. However, an estimated 1,000 people remain in need of rescue in Kedarnath.

'The weather has improved across Uttarakhand,' Suman noted. 'There is no heavy rain, and an Orange alert indicating some rain has been issued for Uttarkashi tomorrow. All major routes are open, except for the Kedarnath to Gaurikund route. Yesterday, we successfully evacuated 2,300 people from Gaurikund to Sonprayag while airlifting 700 others. In total, about 3,000 individuals have been rescued,' he added.

Suman advised the public to avoid venturing out in the rain while assuring that the remaining 1,000 stranded in Kedarnath are safe. 'There is no disaster situation; adequate shelter and food supplies sufficient for 15 days are available,' he said.

Four helicopters, including those from the Indian Air Force, have been deployed for today's rescue operations. Suman noted that the NDRF, SDRF, and state administration are all engaged in the efforts. 'One person has been injured, and another has unfortunately died, but there are no further casualties,' he confirmed.

The sudden fall of debris and boulders on the Gaurikund hill road has damaged the two-kilometer alternate rescue route. SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra stated that a new action plan is being developed, with drones now being used for more effective rescue operations.

SDRF teams have been directed to evacuate people safely along the Sonprayag-Gaurikund route. Commandant Mishra apprised the teams of the new action plan, emphasizing the utilization of drones. Additionally, backup teams from August Muni and Ratuda have been mobilized to intensify the search and rescue mission. Four SDRF teams stationed at the Licholi and Kedarnath helipads are tasked with ensuring the safety of the stranded individuals.