U'khand flood: Army and air force aviators dare weather

Phase 3 of army's rescue and relief operations continued on Monday with evacuation of stranded people being undertaken on a war footing.

Evacuation of people by land route from Badrinath to Joshimath and from Harsil to Uttarkashi as a contingency plan has been the mission of the Army. Army teams carried out extensive reconnaissance and identified segments of road affected by landslides and develop crossing capability. Logistics, transport and administrative bases have been created in consonance with state administration.

After inserting leadership and establishment of Command and Control based on segments and zones, the army aims to build up confidence amongst pilgrims. Based on necessity, the army will evacuate pilgrims by road and coordinate their arrival in reception areas.

Army's search, rescue and relief operations continued through out the day in spite of inclement weather conditions.

In Badrinath Sector, 281 people moved by land route yesterday 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 footbridge. 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 the army. Army aviators challenged weather in Badrinath Valley to transport people in inclement weather condition. Army provided leadership, logistics, food and medical aid at a number of places enroute. Army teams placed in various segments along the route provided guidance to people.

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, number of landslides 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, the army's relentless efforts to provide succor, rescue and relief will continue 24x7.