In Uttarakhand, aerial rescue have been affected in Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi districts due to bad weather and rains.
The state government has said that about 7000 pilgrims are stranded at Badrinath and Govindghat in Chamoli district and 2000 at Harsil area in Gangotri region of Uttarkashi.
Quoting official sources, AIR Correspondent reports that few sorties have taken place in Uttarkashi district and pilgrims have been brought to safer places. But, an official looking after the sorties from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun from where mostly private sector helicopters are operating, said that few sorties had taken place in the morning but they too came back due to bad weather.
The Army has begun its operation in Harsil, Badrinath and Pithoragarh to evacuate the stranded people by foot. Two day combing operation has also begun from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple complex in Rudraprayag district, to ensure safe evacuation of each and every pilgrim. It is being conducted by the Army, ITBP and NDRF.
A cloud brust incident has also been reported from Tehri district which has affected several houses in Pithani area of the district.
Meanwhile, former Union Home Secretary VK Duggal appointed by the government to look after coordination among agencies involved in relief and rescue operations, has expressed satisfaction over evacuation operation conducted by the Army, ITBP and NDRF. Talking to media person this morning at Dehradun, Mr. Duggal said that operational issues have been discussed with officials and if any additional help will be required, it will be raised before the Centre.
Meanwhile, Mr. Duggal will be meeting with the Uttarakhand Chief Minister this evening.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi today flagged off 135 trucks carrying relief material for Uttarakhand flood victims from the party's Delhi headquarters, this morning. Party Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were among several leaders present on the occasion. The relief material contained food packets, medicines, blankets and clothes.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ITBP, has temporarily suspended its air operations in Kedarnath and Badrinath due to cloudy weather this morning. ITBP Director General Ajay Chadha told reporters in New Delhi that helicopter services did not start because of the inclement weather. He said, air operations will be faster once the weather improves.
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today said, authorities will now evacuate victims from Badrinath in flood-hit Uttarakhand. Mr Shinde told reporters in New Delhi that rain is hindering rescue operations by helicopters.
