2000 people still there in Harsil, expected to be evacuated on Monday

Kolkata: Rescue and relief operations were carried on in full swing Sunday despite bad weather conditions a factsheet released by the government said.

“Jungle Chetti area which was a matter of concern yesterday has been fully cleared by joint efforts of Army, ITBP and Air Force.  12,000 people were rescued and evacuated today,” it said.

"Using cliff assault techniques, skilled mountain rescue troops of Army evacuated 460 by foot through one of the most dangerous Zones in Kedar Valley. The pilgrims were given food, fresh water, medical aid, blankets and plastic sheets at Gauri Kund Army Camp before further evacuation to Sonprayag," a Defense ministry statement said Sunday.

Even though about 125 people have been evacuated from Gauri Kund about 100 more are still there. 2000 people are in Harsil under the charge of army. They are expected to be rescued on Monday.

Army launched Phase III of ‘Surya Hope’ Sunday to focus on contingency plan of evacuating people by road from the hubs at Harsil, Gauri Kund and Badrinath.

All together 83  aircrafts were deployed on Sunday.

The process of identification of the death has begun as the local police have reached Kedarnath and Gauri Kund. In response to the allegations of some taxi drivers making exorbitant charges the Uttarakhand Government is making arrangements for transporting the pilgrims.

The Indian Air Force has rescued 3100 persons despite bad weather conditions as predicted by the Met-department.

75 satellite phones are being used by the agencies involved in rescue operation; a consignment of 50 such devices was imported from Congo Saturday.

“BSNL has also provided free phone facilities at its telephone exchanges, telephone and control rooms at various locations to enable those stranded to contact their families,” the factsheet said.

Joshimath airbase went out of fuel Sunday, the fact sheet says that 112 kilolitre of aviation fuel is in transit to meet the deficiency. 35 kilolitre of aviation fuel was also airlifted to Gauchar.

A three truck load of medical supplies has also been despatched by the Central Government on request of the Uttarakhand government.

The Indian Railways will be running a special train from Haridwar to Mumbai via Kota which will take the stranded passengers without charging them.