Rescue and relief operations have been stepped up on a large scale in Uttarakhand as multiple agencies evacuated the worst-affected pilgrimage centre of kedarnath and its adjoining areas. Almost everyone has been rescued from the holy town. The focus will now move to Gaurikund and Ram Bara where more than 5,000 people are believed to be trapped in this narrow valley.
So far 30,000 people have been rescued, but over 50,000 are still stranded at various places. Also, over 13, 000 people including pilgrims are feared to be missing. The official death toll stands at 207 which could run into several hundreds.
Another challenge confronting the army is to rescue over 7,000 people trapped in Badrinath as a major portion of the road leading to the temple town has been washed away. Meanwhile, 3,000 people have been trapped on way to Hemkund Sahib.
Army, Air Force, NDRF, the Sashastra Sena Bal and Uttarakhand government are working round the clock to evacuate stranded people.
Army has deployed 8,000 soldiers, including medical teams, engineer task forces and signal detachment. 3,000 personnel of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are also pressed into action. IAF has deployed 20 Mi-17s and 16 Advanced Light Helicopters in the state to help in rescue operations.