Massive Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Uttarakhand's Kedarnath Rains Crisis

Over 9,000 stranded Kedarnath pilgrims have been rescued following heavy rains. Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman stated that extensive operations are ongoing, involving NDRF, SDRF, and Air Force teams. Chief Minister Dhami emphasized passenger safety as the top priority.

Uttarakhand Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman announced that 9,099 individuals stranded along the Kedarnath Yatra route due to heavy rains have been rescued as of Saturday.

Secretary Suman reported that a total of 7,234 passengers were rescued by August 2, with an additional 1,865 rescued on August 3. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is personally overseeing the massive evacuation efforts.

On August 3, 43 passengers were airlifted from Kedarnath, while 495 others were evacuated from Linchauli and Bhimbali. Currently, about 1,000 people remain stranded at various locations. Fifteen fatalities have been confirmed due to the torrential rains on July 31, according to Suman.

Suman added that the NDRF, SDRF, and Air Force Chinook and MI-17 helicopters are part of the relief and rescue operations. He noted that numerous personnel, including 83 NDRF members, 168 SDRF officers, and 126 police, are actively engaged in the efforts.

A total of 882 personnel from various departments, such as the Health and Food Departments, are also on the ground. Chief Minister Dhami has stressed that ensuring the safety of stranded pilgrims is the government’s top priority.

Dhami stated that district administration teams have made comprehensive arrangements for food and shelter for those still stranded, with continuous monitoring from the State Emergency Operations Center. Despite facing weather-related challenges, rescue operations are progressing as conditions improve.