Massive Rescue Operation Saves Over 130 Pilgrims As Kedarnath Route Reopens

Over 130 pilgrims were airlifted to safety on the fifth day of rescue operations along the Kedarnath yatra route. With clear weather, IAF helicopters intensified efforts, evacuating 133 people by 9 am. Thousands have been rescued so far, with the Army constructing a footbridge and deploying sniffer dogs for search operations.

More than 130 people were airlifted to safety as rescue operations on the damaged Kedarnath yatra route entered its fifth day on Monday.

Air rescue operations gained momentum with the weather clearing in Kedar Valley and the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Chinook and MI17 helicopters aiding in the evacuation of pilgrims, earlier being carried out largely by small helicopters, officials said.

Till 9 am, 133 people were evacuated to safety outside Kedarnath Dham, they said.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other rescue teams sent 100 other people from Kedarnath Dham to Lincholi from where they will be airlifted to Shersi helipad.

(With inputs from agencies.)