8,000 still trapped in Kedarnath region

New Delhi, June 22: Rescuers scrambled Saturday to evacuate about 8,000 people who are still trapped in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath region as met office predicted rains in the flood-hit area from June 24.

A new ropeway has been installed at Lambagar, about 10 km from Badrinath, to rescue people, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) spokesperson Deepak K. Pandey said.

He said about 8,000 people were still trapped in Kedarnath region that suffered massive damage due to rains and flash floods.

Pandey said stranded people were being brought to Govindghat and then taken to Joshimath through bus and other vehicles. In Joshimath, names of rescued people are being noted before sending them for onward journey to Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh.

He said women, children and elderly were being sent through helicopters while the youth and able-bodied were being helped out through ropeway.

"About 400 persons have been rescued through ropeway since yesterday (Friday)," Pandey said.

He said rescue efforts have been augmented in view of possibility of rain in the region from June 24.

IANS