At least two pilgrims lost their lives while more than 1,000 were safely rescued from the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra route in Himachal Pradesh, officials confirmed.
According to the district administration, 553 pilgrims who had started their 'yatra' from Malling Khata village got stranded on August 5 due to bad weather. Out of them, 177 were brought back to Malling Khata the same day. However, heavy rains and rising water levels in a nearby stream left 230 pilgrims stranded in a cave.
A rescue team led by the Naib Tehsildar of Kalpa and a team of the Forest Department was sent via the Purvani route on Tuesday evening to help them.
A shelter has been set up at the Shongtong Army camp for rescued pilgrims. So far, 183 people have reached the camp, where they are being provided with food and medical help. More pilgrims are on their way to the camp.
“All of them are safe and arrangements have been made for their meals. In addition, they are being provided with medical facilities at the hospital. The remaining people are also being rescued and brought directly to the Army camp,” said Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Dr Amit Sharma.
In another major operation, 417 pilgrims were rescued by the ITBP and Kinnaur Tourism Authority after two bridges on the Kangarang Nallah were washed away during a flashflood caused by a cloudburst. Teams from ITBP, NDRF and KTA carried out the rescue overnight.
Due to the flashfloods and unpredictable weather, the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra has been suspended until further notice. The 'yatra', which began on July 15, was scheduled to continue till August 30.
The district administration has urged pilgrims to avoid travelling to the area until an official update is issued.
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