Heroic rescue: Indian Air Force evacuates stranded ones from landslide-hit region in northern India
by ShravyaIn a heroic rescue operation in northern India’s Uttarakhand, the Indian Air Force successfully concluded rescue operations after evacuating the last survivor from the landslide-affected area.
The incident took place in the Kedarnath Valley of Rudraprayag district on August 11.
Visuals captured the dramatic scene as an IAF helicopter swooped into action, later showing an elderly man being carefully taken out of the helicopter by officers and other rescue officials, seated safely on a chair.
According to reports, a total of 218 personnel were rescued from Gaurikund, where a cloudburst had triggered devastating landslides, leaving many pilgrims stranded. The 10-day operation saw IAF Mi-17 V5 and Chinook helicopters braving harsh conditions to evacuate the elderly, injured, and ailing. Over 6 tons of relief material was airlifted. A Chinook helicopter remains on standby, while the Mi-17 V5 has been de-inducted.
Earlier, a release from the Chief Minister’s office indicated that 78 people, including local shopkeepers, saints, and horse-mule drivers who had voluntarily stayed behind in Kedarnath, were airlifted to Guptkashi on Sunday by an MI-17 helicopter.
With the completion of the operation, the MI-17 helicopter of the Air Force has been stood down. The rescue mission is now concluded with no pilgrims left stranded. All local residents who needed evacuation have been brought to safety. Essential supplies and logistical materials were delivered to Kedarnath Dham using the MI-17 and a state helicopter, the release confirmed.