IAF's Chinook, Mi-17 V5 helicopters accelerated rescue ops: Uttarakhand CM Dhami

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for initiating the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation by the Indian Air Force in the disaster-affected areas of the State.
The Chief Minister said, "Chinook and Mi-17 V5 helicopters deployed in Gauchar by the Indian Air Force have certainly accelerated the rescue operation in the disaster-affected areas."
Dhami said that rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing and over 5000 people have been evacuated to safer places.
Speaking to ANI, Dhami said, "Relief and rescue operations are going on in the state. All the departments are in alert mode. I have also visited several places in the state, where I met the devotees who have come for Kedarnath Darshan. Around 5,000 people have been rescued so far and 1,000 people who are in Kedarnath Dham will also be rescued soon. PM Modi has assured me to provide the best possible assistance, Mi helicopters have already been sent. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda and other ministers of the Central Government are in contact with us."
Following heavy rains in Kedarghati, Dhami had requested the Centre for helicopters to assist in the rescue efforts of pilgrims stranded on the Kedarnath Yatra route. The Centre provided MI-17 and Chinook helicopters to help airlift the passengers to a safe place.
Rescue work began with personnel of the NDRF and SDRF teams along with the district administration and continued till late last night.
By noon on Friday, about 430 passengers have been rescued by airlifting from Lyncholi and Bhimbali. At the same time, about 700 passengers were successfully rescued between Gaurikund-Sonprayag. Morever, the injured pilgrims are being treated by the NDRF and Health Department.