Massive Rescue Operation Underway as Cloudburst Ravages Kedarnath Trek Route

Over 370 people stranded on the rain-ravaged trek route to Kedarnath have been evacuated and sent to Lincholi for airlifting as the rescue operation continues. Authorities are providing food and water, and a footbridge construction has commenced. So far, about 10,000 individuals have been rescued.

Over 370 individuals stranded on the rain-devastated trek route to Kedarnath have been evacuated and transported to Lincholi for airlifting as the rescue operation has entered its fourth day.

Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee Chief Executive Officer Yogendra Singh stated that these 373 people have been moved to Lincholi with rescue teams, including members of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), for helicopter evacuation to safer areas. Meanwhile, 570 passengers are awaiting helicopter evacuation at the Kedarnath helipad.

The district administration, temple committee, and Tirtha Purohit Samaj provide stranded individuals with food, water, and fruits. Authorities have also evacuated 110 pilgrims stranded on the Rambada-Chaumasi track, bringing the total evacuated from this route to 534.

The route to Kedarnath suffered massive damage due to a cloudburst in Junglechatti near Lincholi, washing away roads and causing landslides at various locations. As a result, rescue operations involving SDRF, NDRF, police, and the Indian Air Force have ramped up, with Chinook and MI17 helicopters playing key roles.

Approximately 10,000 people have been evacuated, and a new footbridge is under construction between Sonprayag and Gaurikund. Additionally, two sniffer dogs have been deployed to aid in locating missing individuals.