Indian Air Force Completes Rescue Operations in Kedarnath Valley After Landslides
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully concluded rescue operations in Kedarnath Valley, Uttarakhand, after evacuating the last survivor from the landslide-hit area. A total of 218 people were rescued from Gaurikund, where a cloudburst had caused devastating landslides, stranding many pilgrims.
The 10-day operation saw IAF Mi-17 V5 and Chinook helicopters navigate challenging conditions to evacuate the old, injured, and ailing. Over 6 tons of relief material was airlifted. A Chinook remains on standby, while the Mi-17 V5 has been de-inducted.
Earlier, a release from the Chief Minister’s office stated that 78 people, including local shopkeepers, saints, and horse-mule drivers, who voluntarily stayed back in Kedarnath, were taken to Guptkashi on Sunday through MI-17. With this, the MI-17 helicopter of the Air Force has been sent off. Now there are no pilgrims left, and all local people who were to come down have been brought. Food and other essential items were delivered to Kedarnath Dham through MI-17 and state helicopters.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their cooperation in the rescue operation. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi was very concerned about the safety of the passengers and kept taking updates on the rescue operation.
Chief Minister Dhami expressed his gratitude to various agencies engaged in relief and rescue operations, stating that more than 15,000 people were saved. He praised the Indian Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, DDRF, District Administration, Police, PWD, and Irrigation departments for their commendable work. Special thanks were given to the temple committee, Vyapar Mandal, local shopkeepers, and residents for their cooperation.
On August 1, Chief Minister Dhami visited the State Emergency Operations Centre at the SDMA, took stock of the situation, and directed officials to conduct relief and rescue operations at a fast pace. The priority of the government is to normalize the situation in Kedarghati as soon as possible.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Air Force -: The Indian Air Force is a part of India’s military that uses airplanes and helicopters to protect the country and help people during emergencies.
Kedarnath Valley -: Kedarnath Valley is a beautiful area in the state of Uttarakhand, India, known for its famous temple and mountains.
landslides -: Landslides happen when a lot of rocks and soil slide down a hill or mountain, often caused by heavy rain.
cloudburst -: A cloudburst is a sudden, very heavy rainfall that can cause flooding and landslides.
Mi-17 V5 -: The Mi-17 V5 is a type of helicopter used by the Indian Air Force to carry people and supplies.
Chinook helicopters -: Chinook helicopters are large helicopters that can carry a lot of people and heavy loads, used by the military.
Uttarakhand -: Uttarakhand is a state in northern India, known for its mountains and pilgrimage sites.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, like a principal of a school but for the whole state.
Pushkar Singh Dhami -: Pushkar Singh Dhami is the current Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, responsible for making important decisions for the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, the leader of the country who makes important decisions for the whole nation.
Home Minister Amit Shah -: Amit Shah is the Home Minister of India, responsible for the country’s internal security and law enforcement.
relief material -: Relief material includes things like food, water, and medical supplies that are given to people in need during emergencies.
agencies -: Agencies are different groups or organizations that work together to help people, like the police, firefighters, and rescue teams.
