7,000 Rescued in Kedarnath Landslide by NDRF

The National Disaster Response Force has evacuated 7,000 pilgrims from landslide-affected areas in Kedarnath. Rescue teams from various agencies are actively working to provide food and medical aid. Uttarakhand's Chief Minister and other officials are closely monitoring the situation.

As the search and rescue operations continued in the landslide-hit areas of Rudraprayag, efforts to rescue pilgrims stranded in Kedarnath intensified. On Saturday, the National Disaster Response Force announced that it had successfully evacuated around 7,000 people from various locations.

'We have evacuated around 7,000 people from various places. The current situation in Sonprayag is quite normal,' said Sudesh Kumar, NDRF team commander. 'The landslide has affected 8-9 areas, and evacuation tasks are being conducted by the Indian Air Force, Civil Aviation, NDRF, and SDRF.'

The Uttarakhand Police confirmed on X that the rescue operation for passengers stranded on the Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra route is ongoing. 'So far today, 150 passengers have been rescued by helicopter and about 310 passengers manually. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, DDRF, Forest Department, District Police, and Fire Service are engaged in rescue work,' they stated.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually communicated with the Rudraprayag District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police. He held a review meeting on disaster relief and rescue operations and issued necessary guidelines. BJP MP Anil Baluni visited the landslide-hit areas and interacted with officials involved in the rescue and relief efforts.

'Nature has shown its severe side. There has been heavy rainfall, and landslides have also occurred. Our priority is to rescue the stranded individuals and provide them with food and medical aid. It is reassuring that those stuck are safe and in touch with the administration,' Baluni said. 'Food and medical facilities are being provided, and as soon as the weather clears, they will be evacuated.'

District Supply Officer KS Kohli reported that since Thursday morning, food packets and drinking water have been arranged for pilgrims stranded at major stops along the Yatra. Approximately 18,000 food packets and 35,000 water bottles have been distributed at several locations till 3:30 pm on Friday. Food assistance is also being provided with the help of GMVN and local traders. BKTC, local representatives, and traders are fully cooperating in this effort.