Centre deploys IAF choppers to aid in rescue & relief operations
Saturday, 03 August 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The authorities on Friday continued rescue and relief operations in the disaster-affected areas following heavy rains on Wednesday in parts of the State with the Indian Air Force also starting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the affected areas. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami informed that more than 5,000 stranded persons had been rescued by IAF’s Chinook and Mi-17 V5 helicopters and other means so far. Most of the people rescued are pilgrims along with locals who were stranded on the Kedarnath route due to landslides.
The CM informed that the IAF choppers have been deployed at Gauchar in Chamoli district which has helped expedite the rescue. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence minister Rajnath Singh for deploying the IAF helicopters. Meanwhile, Union Home minister Amit Shah sought information from Dhami about the impact of the disasters in various parts of the State. During the telephonic conversation, he also informed Shah about the rescue and relief operations underway on war footing. The Union minister assured Dhami of all possible assistance for the safety of the State’s people and pilgrims.
In the Kedar valley, operations are underway to rescue the pilgrims and locals stranded due to roads damaged following heavy rain on Wednesday night. Rudraprayag district supply officer KS Kohli informed that food packets, drinking water and meals are being arranged for the stranded persons on the main stops on the pilgrimage since Thursday morning. About 18,000 food packets and 35,000 units of bottled water were provided till Friday afternoon at Kedarnath, Lincholi, Bhimbali, Sonprayag, Shersi, Guptkashi and Chaimasi.
Further, food is being provided through Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam and assistance of local traders at various places. Additional chief medical officer Dr Vimal Gusain informed that treatment was provided to 286 persons at Sonprayag, Gaurikund and Shersi. A total of 582 persons had been rescued by helicopter till Friday afternoon while more than 1,500 persons had been manually rescued from the stretch between Sonprayag and Gaurikund, he added.
