IAF evacuates 180 people in Uttarakhand

The Indian Air Force (IAF) today airlifted 180 stranded people from Uttarakhand following rains in the state that triggered landslides and washed away some roads, an official said in New Delhi.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday airlifted 180 stranded people from Uttarakhand following rains in the state that triggered landslides and washed away some roads, an official said in New Delhi.

HT Image

He said people - including locals, pilgrims and tourists - had been evacuated from areas en route to Kedarnath on Tuesday and relief efforts were continuing.

The official said 500 food packets had been dropped for the marooned people in Guptkashi area of Uttarakhand.

He said IAF helicopters had air dropped teams of the National Disaster Relief Force in Rekongpeo, Karcham and Sangla Valley areas of Himachal Pradesh.

"Relief operations are in full swing under operation Rahat to provide succour to thousands of stranded pilgrims and tourists," the official said.

He said the IAF's Western Air Command (WAC) had responded to requests from various states for providing flood relief.