IAF's Swift Response: Chinook and MI17 Helicopters Lead Uttarakhand Rescue

The IAF’s Chinook and MI17 helicopters have joined rescue operations in Uttarakhand to evacuate pilgrims stranded on the Kedarnath trek route due to heavy rains. So far, 5,000 people have been rescued. Helpline numbers have been issued, and food packets distributed to the affected pilgrims.

The IAF's Chinook and MI17 helicopters joined rescue operations in Uttarakhand on Friday, aiding in the evacuation of pilgrims stranded on the rain-damaged trek route to Kedarnath. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reported that around 5,000 people have been safely evacuated since Thursday morning, courtesy of airlifts and manual rescues by SDRF and NDRF personnel.

“Heavy rains have caused extensive damage, but our government machinery, along with the NDRF, SDRF, and district administration, is fully engaged in rescue efforts. The IAF's Chinook and MI17 helicopters were deployed following my request to the PMO,” Dhami told PTI.

Home Minister Amit Shah has also assured Dhami of comprehensive support. The trek route to the Kedarnath temple suffered considerable damage from a recent cloudburst near Junglechatti. Helplines have been set up, and approximately 5,000 food packets have been distributed to the stranded pilgrims. However, the yatra to Kedarnath is temporarily on hold until the route is cleared and restored.