At least 253 people have been evacuated by 24 helicopter sorties today, even as   approximately 1000 people are awaiting evacuation at Harsil, says an Army press release.

In the Badrinath sector, evacuation by air and a combination of foot and vehicle continued today with 740 people reaching Joshimath by evening.  260 people crossed Alaknanda at Lambagar using helicopter bridge and Burma bridge.  500 are still waiting to cross over 90 people have been evacuated by air from Bardinath by 18 heli sorties.              

Army launched another initiative today to provide assistance to take care of ponies and mules stranded on Hemkund axis.  Army helicopter inserted one veterinary doctor and two paramedics to render medical aid to the animals affected by the floods. 

Efforts are underway to provide similar assistance to agencies responsible for taking care of animals in Gauri Kund.              

In order to speed up evacuation, Army Engineers commenced construction of steel foot bridge across Alaknanda at Lambagar in Badrinath Valley. Once completed, evacuation by foot will be rapid.