KEDARNATH: The rescue operation for pilgrims stranded on the treacherous trek to Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand has now entered its third day. As of Sunday, over 10,500 individuals have been evacuated from the affected areas, with some being airlifted by Indian Air Force helicopters.

Currently, around 1,300 pilgrims remain in Kedarnath, Bhimbali, and Gaurikund, all of whom are reported to be safe. Rescue efforts are being coordinated by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police. The Indian Air Force's Chinook and MI17 helicopters were actively involved in airlifting stranded pilgrims on Friday.

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Vishakha Ashok Bhadane has addressed concerns regarding the missing persons, clarifying that most of the individuals reported missing have now safely returned home. She urged the public to disregard any unfounded rumors and noted that communication difficulties due to poor network coverage and adverse weather conditions may be causing delays in family contact.

Tragically, a pilgrim identified as Shubham Kashyap from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, died in a landslide near the Tharu camp at Lincholi on Friday. District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar confirmed that two mobile phones found near the deceased have been turned over to the Lincholi police outpost.

The cloudburst on Wednesday night in Junglechatti near Lincholi caused significant damage to the trek route, further complicating the rescue efforts.

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