More air support needed to rescue those stranded

NEW DELHI: Even as relief and rescue operations in flood-hit Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh picked up after restoration of the communications network and use of over a dozen helicopters in far-flung areas on Tuesday, it may take another two to three days to trace and evacuate all tourists and pilgrims who have been stranded there for the last 48 hours.

Sources, however, said air support to rescue those stranded in the  Kedarnath valley was inadequate as roads were completely washed away and even if the rain stopped, people would have to be evacuated only by air as road repairs could take months. "We need to make at least 400 sorties to rescue all the stranded people. Right now, we are not making more than 40-50 sorties. We need more air support to ensure people are rescued in time as Kedarnath valley has only temporary arrangements during the season and there are no stocks. So there are supply constraints," said a senior official from ITPB which rescued around 1,500 people from Govindghat in Uttarakhand on Tuesday.

Army and paramilitary forces including ITBP and  (NDRF) personnel communicated with each other through wireless communication system and airlifted many stranded people with the help of Indian air force (IAF) helicopters during the day.

Though the forces pitched in for rescue operations right from day one, absence of contingency plan on the ground in both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh delayed the process.

Admitting delay, NDMA vice-chairman M Shashidhar Reddy told TOI that there was some communication gap between state authorities and central agencies on Sunday night, but Army, ITBP and NDRF personnel acted swiftly the moment they assessed the extent of damage the next morning.

Reddy said, "It seems the state authorities did not anticipate such a situation in mid-June as this part of the country generally does not have such heavy rains during the month. The NDMA and home ministry are in constant touch with local authorities after rushing Army and paramilitary personnel for immediate relief and rescue operations."

Over 5,000 Army personnel, 10 aircraft of IAF and nearly 1,000 ITBP personnel have been deployed in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh for relief and rescue operations.

Home secretary R K Singh said food, medicines and blankets were air-dropped in remote areas of both the states for the flood-affected people.

"We have provided seven helicopters to Uttarakhand. The state government has also hired four private helicopters. We are providing helicopters to Himachal Pradesh," said Singh who held a meeting with representatives of the state government, BRO, ITBP, NDRF, IAF and ministry of defence to review the steps being taken.

Border Road Organization (BRO) has mobilized its personnel to facilitate restoration of road communication across different routes. It has been asked to assist the state PWD in restoring communication to both Rekong Peo and Sangla Valley.

"The devastation in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh has been extensive. Efforts are in full swing for search and rescue of the affected persons. The central government is extending all the assistance as sought for by the state governments," the home ministry said in a statement.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0zN_fvoTdU