Kedarnath cloudburst: Indian Air Force's Chinook, MI17 start rescue operations

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday (Aug 2) morning started the rescue operation in Kedarnath in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand after a cloudburst left pilgrims stranded on the landslide-ravaged trek.

IAF's Chinook and MI17 helicopters were pressed into service to evacuate more than 500 pilgrims. In the first round of the rescue, 10 pilgrims were airlifted and dropped a Gauchar airstrip, according to the officials.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is keeping a close eye on the rescue operation and directing the resources needed by the various teams at work.

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Notably, the route suffered extensive damage as a result of a cloudburst in Junglechatti near Lincholi on Wednesday night (Jul 31).The trek route to the Himalayan temple is blocked by boulders at Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi and Bhimbali

Despite the intensity of the cloudburst and the subsequent damage, the stranded pilgrims are safe, per the officials who have distributed approximately 5,000 food packets up until now.

Due to the flood-like conditions, the District Magistrate of Rudraprayag has paused the pilgrimage. SDRF teams have been sent to help people along the Mandakini River and keep them safe. Authorities have advised residents in Gaurikund to stay alert.

Watch |Cloudburst triggers landslide in Kedarnath, sharp rise in Mandakini's water level

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to the disaster management secretary regarding the heavy rain and gatheredinformation about the current situationand relief and rescue operations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in Uttarakhand. The state has reported over 30 deaths in rain-related disasters since June 15.

Kedarnath last faced such a situation in 2013when the flooding of a glacial lake led to the loss of over 6,000 lives. Record unseasonal monsoon rains and cloudburstsadded to the glacier lake outburst, causing a calamitous situation.

(With inputs from agencies)