Inclement weather hampering Badrinath rescue operations

Inclement weather is hampering rescue and rehabilitation efforts in Badrinath a senior Air Force (IAF) officer said on Thursday.

The Air Force Task Force Commander, Air commodore Rajesh Issar said: " Yesterday, weather was quite marginal. Still we pulled out 1341 people from various sectors. But from Badrinath, the key focus area, only 350 people could be pulled out because the weather has not improved."

"Twelve of our aircraft were standing to take off in Badrinath, the key focus area and as soon as the weather will allow, they'll go through on the rescue operation", he added.

Air commodore Issar further said rescue operations are in full swing in the Harshil sector.

He said 600 people have been evacuated so far and added that he expected the rescue operation to be completed if the weather is good.

"Some operations are going on in Kedarnath in terms of rotation of police party, Punchnama party and administration people. Even our own recovery of bodies is going on. All bodies have been removed", he concluded.