For the benefit of all the flood affected people, Central Command launched an exclusive website today. The site “suryahopes.in”gives minute to minute update on Army operations across Uttarakhand, location wise data of people stranded at various places, list of rescued persons, helpline numbers, latest news about flood victims and provides links to Uttarakhand government web site and google sites giving information on flood affected people. The website is being updated as and when the information is available. The data link is also duplicated on www.indianarmy.gov.in
Earlier in the day, Army Engineers moved swiftly and constructed a steel bridge across Alaknanda at Lambagar. The Engineers constructed the bridge throughout the night in inclement weather conditions to ensure that the bridge was ready for use by pilgrims evacuating by foot from Badrinath.
Evacuation from both Harsil and Badrinath continued throughout the day. 500 people have been evacuated from Harsil by air and 800 people have been evacuated from Badrinath till now. 375 of them have moved on foot. Approximately 450 are still awaiting evacuation from Harsil and approximately 3000 are waiting for their turn at Badrinath.
Army search operations in Jungle Chatti continued for the third day. No stranded pilgrims were found in this area for third consecutive day.
Veterniary medical aid team treated more than 100 animals today on Hemkund axis. The animals got stranded following washing away of bridge at Govind Ghat. Besides, two Army psychiatrists interacted with stranded pilgrims and provided them professional counselling.
Army has so far evacuated more than 33,000 people since 17 June. 25,000 of them by foot alone while 8000 were moved out by helicopter. 13 Army Aviation aircraft conducted 600 sorties to evacuate 2715 people and ferry 24 tons of food, fuel, medicines, blankets and relief material to the people.
