KINNAUR, August 6 — At least 413 pilgrims were evacuated by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) after a flash flood washed away a major portion of the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra route on Wednesday morning, leaving hundreds stranded in the Tangling area of Himachal Pradesh.
Officials said the pilgrims were safely moved to secure locations using the rope-based traverse crossing technique, as the traditional trekking route had become impassable.
“The rescue was launched after a distress call was received from the Kinnaur district administration,” ITBP said in a statement. “A total of 34 ITBP personnel, along with a 14-member NDRF team, were deployed for the operation.”
The flash flood, triggered by continuous rainfall in the region, disrupted the sacred pilgrimage to Kinnaur Kailash, a site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with ITBP and NDRF teams working in tandem to reach the stranded pilgrims amid difficult terrain and poor weather conditions.
Officials said all rescued pilgrims were in stable condition and receiving necessary assistance.
Rescue teams are continuing to monitor the region for other possible emergencies, as rains remain persistent in the hill state.
