Rescue operations gain momentum as rains subside in Himachal

Shimla, Sept. 5 -- After two weeks of relentless monsoon fury, Himachal Pradesh witnessed a slight improvement in weather, allowing the state government, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to intensify relief and rescue operations.

Early this morning, an Air Force Chinook helicopter was pressed into service to evacuate stranded pilgrims from the rain-hit districts of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's media handler informed that the rescue of devotees stuck during the Manimahesh Yatra began at 6:30 a.m.

"In the first flight, 50 pilgrims were airlifted safely from Bharmour to Chamba," the CM's office said. Officials expressed confidence that all pilgrims would be ...