Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) [India]: As the search and rescue operation continued in the landslide-affected areas in Rudraprayag to rescue the pilgrims stranded in Kedarnath and adjoining areas, the National Disaster Response Force said on Saturday that they have evacuated around 7,000 people from different places.
Sudesh Kumar, NDRF team commander said, “We have evacuated around 7,000 people from various places. The current situation of Sonprayag is quite normal. The landslide has taken place in 8-9 places and evacuation activities are being carried out by Indian Air Force, Civil Aviation, NDRF and SDRF.”
The Uttarakhand Police posted on X and said that the rescue work of passengers stranded on the Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra route is underway.
“So far today, 150 passengers have been rescued by helicopter and about 310 passengers manually. Teams of NDRF, SDRF, DDRF, Forest Department, District Police and Fire Service are engaged in rescue work,” it said.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also virtually spoke to the Rudraprayag District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, held a review meeting on disaster-related relief and rescue operations and gave necessary guidelines.
BJP MP Anil Baluni visited the landslide-affected areas in Rudraprayag and interacted with officials who are a part of the rescue and relief operations.
Baluni said, “You saw the dire form of nature. There has been heavy rainfall and landslides have also occurred. Our focus is on rescuing people who are stranded and providing food and medical facilities to them. It is satisfying that those who are stuck are safe and in touch with the administration. Food and medical facilities are being provided to them. As soon as the weather clears up, they will be brought out of there.”
Under the direction of the District Magistrate, the concerned departments are continuously working to safely rescue and provide food to the devotees and pilgrims stranded at various stops in Kedar Valley.
District Supply Officer KS Kohli said that since Thursday morning, food packets, drinking water and food have been arranged for the devotees stranded at the main stops of the Yatra. Nearly 18,000 food packets and nearly 35,000 water bottles have been made available at Kedarnath, Lincholi, Bhimbali, Sonprayag, Shersi, Guptkashi, Chaamasi and other places till 3:30 pm on Friday.
Apart from this, food is being provided at various places with the help of GMVN and local traders. BKTC, local public representatives and traders are also fully cooperating in this.