Uttarakhand: All stranded officials at Kedarnath evacuated

Uttarakhand: All officials and workers stranded at the Kedarnath shrine in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand, were airlifted this morning, as rescue efforts resumed today after days of incessant rain. The officials, over 70 in number, are said to be in good health.

Rain and floods have destroyed the land route to the holy Kedarnath valley, located at nearly 12,000 feet, leaving only the air route open since June 16.

Officials and workers had been stranded in Kedarnath for the past five days as bad weather and constant rain prevented chopper flights. But air sorties resumed today as the clear weather offered a small window.

The officials, along with security forces, had been trying to clear the valley left completely devastated after flash floods claimed over 1,000 lives, left thousands homeless and destroyed villages and towns.

The rain has also hampered relief efforts. Villagers have been forced to trek through the battered terrain to carry food supplies to remote areas. (Read: Incessant rain for 3 days hit relief efforts)

More than 4,500 are still reported to be missing in the disaster described as the 'Himalayan tsunami' due to the sheer scale of devastation.