Army’s search, rescue and relief operations continued through out the day inspite of inclement weather conditions. In Badrinath Sector, 281 people moved by land route after the construction of Burma bridge across Alaknanda at Lam Bagar on Joshimath – Badrinath road. Army today created Heli Bridge at Lam Bagar in addition to the foot bridge. Heli shuttle service continued till reports last came in. Two Army Helicopters and three civil helicopter ferried people from Badrinath today. 800 people moved towards Joshimath today with 450 using heli Bridge and the balance using Burma Bridge of Army. Army aviators challenged weather in Badrinath Valley to transport people in inclement weather conditions.
In Uttarkashi sector, MI 17 helicopters made 16 sorties evacuating 402 people helicopter from Harsil while 683 people reached Uttarkashi by foot. Foot/vehicle based evacuation continued throughout the day. Army established staging areas stocked with food, water and medicines at Sukhi and Gagnani for the evacuees.
Following intermittent rainfall today, a number of land slides occurred on road Rishikesh – Rudraprayag although route ahead to Joshimath remained open. Approximately 1400 people are awaiting evacuation at Harsil, 50 at Dharali and 60 at Jhala on Uttarkashi axis and approx 5000 at Badrinath. Army established food distribution centres at Govindghat and Joshimath.
In the Kedarnath sector, Army special troops with mountaineering skills continued search and rescue operations to link up with stranded people, if any, between Jungle Chatti and Rama Bara. Intensive combing operations are on till reports last came in.
Despite inclement weather conditions predicted for next two days, Army’s relentless efforts to provide succor, rescue and relief will continue 24×7.