New Delhi, Aug 12 (IBNS): The Sarsawa based helicopter unit of the Indian Air Force continuing the rescue missions in the hills of Uttarakhand on Saturday undertook 18 sorties and evacuated 47 pilgrims from Harshil to Dharasu besides carrying out aerial recce to identify the areas in need of assistance.
During the entire mission that started on Aug 7 and continued despite the bad weather and heavy rains, one ALH and two Mi-17 1Vs undertook a total of 4600 kgs of food packets were dropped at Harsil, Matli and Dharasu and 171 persons airlifted with the IAF helicopters having flown for more than 42 hrs.
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) have mounted a massive rescue and relief operation in the flood affected areas of Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh.
The Indian Air Force in coordination with civil administration facilitated smooth evacuation of stranded pilgrims from Harshil and Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand.
Ten army columns were involved in rescue operations in Uttarkashi-Gangotri area. Army provided succour in the form of medical aid, hot food and other assistance to stranded pilgrims.
Two army aviation helicopters are operating in coordination with civil administration.
Two Indian Air Force Advance Light Helicopters (ALH) and one IAF Mi-17 have already been deployed in Harshil/Uttarkashi and one more Mi-17 chopper is being added to augment the rescue and relief efforts.
Road between Uttarkashi and Dharasu has been opened to light vehicle traffic.
Foot crossings on Gangori and Soundh Gad have been established to facilitate the movement of pilgrims.
More than 30 people were killed in flash floods in Uttarakhand after the natural calamity struck Uttarkashi last week and washed away roads and bridges.
