Uttarakhand floods: Army completes evacuation of all stranded pilgrims in Harsil

 In the last leg of their rescue operations in Uttarakhand, the Indian Army has said it has completed the evacuation of all pilgrims stranded in Harsil.

"532 stranded people have been evacuated yesterday by air from Harsil, leaving just 100 to 150 locals to be evacuated. With this, all pilgrims have been evacuated from Harsil. At least 450 people were evacuated by helicopters from Badrinath," the army said.

On rescue operations in Badrinath, the force said all able-bodied and willing people were motivated by the Army to undertake journey from Badrinath to Joshimath by a combination of foot and vehicles.

"While only 12 kilometers is by foot, the remaining 31 kilometers is undertaken by vehicles. 900 people set out on foot. While 244 have already reached Joshimath, the others are on their way and expected to reach by tonight," the Army said in a statemen.

The statement further said that evacuation is also on in Pithoragarh district of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

"100 people were evacuated from isolated and cut off places and were brought to Dharchula where they were given food, water and medical aid by the Army. Hemkund axis has been totally cleared of all pilgrims," it said.

"Army veterinary team returned to Joshimath on Thursday after providing medical assistance to stranded animals and mules between Govindghat and Ghagria. Animal rations and veterinary medicines were also rushed to Gauri Kund for use by local people for their stranded live stock," it added.

Army constructed another temporary foot bridge at Sonprayag for use by local population. More than 8,500 Army personnel and 13 helicopters have been pressed into service to provide rescue & relief in Uttarakhand so far.