400 still stranded on Kedarnath route as rescue operation continues for 5th day
evacuated from Kedarnath Dham, according to news reports.
Rescue Teams and Evacuations
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other teams have been actively involved in moving people from Kedarnath Dham to Lincholi. From Lincholi, they will be airlifted to the Shersi helipad. According to Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, a total of 10,374 individuals have been rescued from various points along the yatra route, including Kedarnath, Lincholi, Bhimbali, and Gaurikund. As of the latest reports, only 350 pilgrims remain in Kedarnath and 50 in Lincholi.
Weather Challenges and Infrastructure Repairs
Dense cloud cover on Sunday severely hindered air operations, preventing the IAF's Chinook helicopter from making any sorties. The MI-17 helicopter managed to evacuate only 60 people through three flights. Besides the remaining pilgrims, the area now primarily hosts priests, shopkeepers, and operators of horses and palanquins, who will also be evacuated if they choose to leave.
The heavy rainfall and cloudburst on July 31 had washed away the Kedarnath trek route in several locations, including Lincholi, Bhimbali, Ghorapadav, and Rambada, and caused damage at other points due to landslides. This left many devotees stranded.
In response, the Army has begun constructing a footbridge on the Sonprayag-Gaurikund road, which had been washed away. A trolley has been installed in Sonprayag to assist the elderly, sick, and differently-abled
