Indian Air Force Concludes Heroic Rescue Ops in Kedarnath Valley

The Indian Air Force has successfully concluded its 10-day rescue operation in Kedarnath Valley, evacuating the last survivor from the landslide-hit Uttarakhand. The mission involved the daring efforts of Mi-17 V5 and Chinook helicopters amidst challenging conditions, rescuing over 218 personnel and delivering essential relief materials.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially concluded its rescue operations in Kedarnath Valley after successfully evacuating the last survivor from the landslide-stricken area in Uttarakhand. The IAF announced on Sunday that a total of 218 personnel were rescued from Gaurikund, where a devastating cloudburst had triggered landslides, stranding numerous pilgrims.

The 10-day mission utilized IAF Mi-17 V5 and Chinook helicopters, which braved adverse conditions to evacuate elderly, injured, and ill individuals. Over six tons of relief supplies were airlifted during the operation. While a Chinook remains on standby, the Mi-17 V5 has been decommissioned. A statement from the Chief Minister’s office indicated that 78 individuals, including local shopkeepers and saints who stayed back voluntarily, were transported to Guptkashi on Sunday via an MI-17 helicopter.

The necessary food and logistics for Kedarnath Dham have all been delivered. The Chinook helicopter is on hold to transport heavy machinery to Kedarnath once weather conditions improve. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their swift assistance, which included providing MI-17 and Chinook helicopters shortly after the disaster struck.

Dhami noted that Prime Minister Modi was deeply concerned and personally monitored the rescue efforts. He commended various agencies for their coordinated work, allowing the operation to be completed in less than a week and rescuing more than 15,000 people. Dhami extended thanks specifically to the Indian Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, and other local departments and officials involved in the rescue efforts.

The Chief Minister personally oversaw the emergency response, visiting the State Emergency Operations Centre and affected areas. He directed a rapid relief and rescue operation while ensuring that the situation in Kedarnath returns to normal at the earliest.