Official  Uttarakhand rescue and relief operations of dated 23 June 2013

·         Rescue and relief operations continued in full swing today despite bad weather in the morning. Jungle Chetti area which was a matter of concern yesterday has been fully cleared by joint efforts of Army, ITBP and Air Force.  12,000 people were rescued and evacuated today. ·         About 125 people have been evacuated from Gauri Kund and about 100 more are still there. ·         About 2,000 people are in Harsil but under the charge of the Army.  The focus of the rescue efforts tomorrow will be on the Harsil. ·         A total 83 aircrafts from all agencies have been deployed in the area of which 45 are from IAF, 13 from Army and 25 from the State Government. ·         Local police have reached Kedarnath and Gauri Kund and process of identification of the dead bodies has begun. ·         The State Government is making arrangements for transporting the pilgrims in response to reports that some taxi drivers are making exorbitant charges and are fleecing pilgrims. IAF: ·         3100 persons have been evacuated with 250 sorties despite bad weather conditions. ·         1.5 lakh kg of load has been air lifted and dispatched. ·         Five choppers have functioned out of Dharasu to evacuate 608 persons.