Overview

• Thirty-five ailing and elderly devotees were airlifted to Chamba on Thursday using a small helicopter that completed seven sorties.
• Authorities began moving nearly 500 pilgrims by road from Bharmour to Chamba with security at damaged stretches and free food and water en route.
• An Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter is stationed at Pathankot for emergencies, with plans to use IAF assets to airlift heavy machinery for restoration.
• Himachal Road Transport Corporation has transported about 6,647 pilgrims free of cost to Pathankot and Kangra, and services will continue.
• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is directing the operation as Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi oversees efforts on the ground in Bharmour, part of a wider monsoon disaster that has caused 341 deaths and an estimated Rs 3,526 crore in losses.