The rescue operation for pilgrims stranded along the rain-damaged trek route to the Himalayan Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand has entered its third day on Sunday. More than 10,500 people have been evacuated so far, with some being airlifted by Indian Air Force helicopters.
Currently, around 1,300 pilgrims remain stranded in Kedarnath, Bhimbali, and Gaurikund, but they are reported to be safe. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police are actively engaged in the rescue efforts. On Friday, the Indian Air Force deployed Chinook and MI-17 helicopters to airlift some of the stranded pilgrims.
Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police (SP) Vishakha Ashok Bhadane has addressed concerns regarding missing persons, stating that most reported individuals have been accounted for. She urged the public not to believe unverified rumors, explaining that many people may be unable to reach their families due to poor network coverage and adverse weather conditions.
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The sole reported fatality, identified as Shubham Kashyap from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, occurred due to a landslide near the Tharu camp at Lincholi on Friday. Two mobile phones found near his body have been handed over to the Lincholi police outpost for further action.
The Kedarnath trek route has suffered significant damage from a cloudburst that struck Junglechatti near Lincholi on Wednesday night. A 20-25 meter stretch of the road was washed away by the swollen Mandakini River, leaving the route blocked by boulders at Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi, and Bhimbali.
In response, the yatra to Kedarnath has been temporarily halted. The Rudraprayag administration has advised pilgrims to remain in their current locations until the route is cleared and repaired. For updates and information about stranded loved ones, the district administration has issued two helplines—7579257572 and 01364-233387—along with an emergency number, 112. PTI
(Includes inputs from online sources)
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