Rescue Operations Intensify in Rudraprayag Amid Heavy Rains

Under the leadership of DDMO Nandan Singh Rajawar, rescue operations in Rudraprayag continue amid heavy rains. Over 9,000 people have been rescued, with airlifts facilitated by MI 17 and Chinook helicopters. Chief Minister Dhami is personally overseeing efforts.

Under the leadership of District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Nandan Singh Rajawar, search operations commenced from Rambara to Bhimbali in Rudraprayag on Monday. Over 100 people were airlifted from Kedarnath Dham to the Lincholi helipad, later transferred to Shersi helipad under the supervision of security forces.

NDRF teams are tirelessly conducting search missions around the Mandakini River to locate trapped individuals. The Rudraprayag District Administration confirmed on Monday that rescue operations on the Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra route have continued for the fifth consecutive day.

Despite extensive searches till Sunday evening from Lincholi to Rambada with sniffer dogs, no individuals were located. However, Uttarakhand Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman stated that a total of 9,099 people have been rescued along the Kedarnath Yatra route till now.

The ongoing rescue efforts, prompted by heavy rains on 31st July, have been conducted on a war footing. By August 2, 7234 passengers were rescued, with an additional 1865 airlifted on August 3, totaling 9099 rescued individuals.

With clear weather in the Kedar Valley on Monday, airlift operations resumed using MI 17 and Chinook helicopters. The MI 17 lands passengers at Chardham helipad, while the Chinook touches down at Gauchar airstrip. So far, 133 people have been airlifted and rescued from Kedarnath with the assistance of these helicopters. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is personally overseeing the large-scale evacuation process.

Vinod Kumar Suman reported that on August 3, 43 passengers were airlifted from Kedarnath, and a combined 495 passengers were transported from Linchauli and Bhimbali. Additionally, 90 passengers safely traveled on foot from Bhimbali-Linchauli to Chaumasi-Kalimath. (ANI)