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.