Overview

• Indian Air Force Chinooks conducted 12 sorties on Friday, airlifting 524 people from Bharmour to Chamba and transporting three bodies, with 1,166 evacuees moved by air since Thursday.
• Chamba administration moved 607 pilgrims by road from Bharmour to Chamba on Thursday, guiding people on foot across damaged sections with security support.
• Himachal Road Transport Corporation has carried about 6,647 pilgrims free of cost to hubs such as Pathankot and Kangra, with services pledged until all reach home.
• Earlier efforts included seven small-helicopter sorties that flew out 35 ailing and elderly pilgrims, while an IAF MI-17 was positioned at Pathankot for contingencies.
• Thousands were stranded after late-August rains severed routes in the Bharmaur area; officials report 17 pilgrim deaths since the yatra began and say food and water are being provided during evacuations.