Uttarakhand’s Joshimath: Rescue operations on after Indian helicopter crashes in Himalayan state

A seek for survivors is underneath method after a helicopter carrying six individuals, together with 5 pilgrims, crashed within the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, officers say.

Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated the helicopter had crashed close to a village near Joshimath in Chamoli district. Rescue groups have been dispatched to the mountainous space, however the situation of these on board stays unclear.

The plane reportedly took off from the Hindu pilgrimage website of Badrinath on Friday afternoon earlier than shedding contact.

The reason for the crash can also be not but recognized. The incident occurred amid experiences of heavy rain and poor visibility within the area.

Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state which borders China and Nepal, is residence to a few of Hinduism’s holiest shrines and attracts thousands and thousands of pilgrims yearly.

Badrinath is considered one of 4 sacred websites on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, alongside Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Many devotees journey by way of steep Himalayan valleys to achieve the temples, that are open for less than a part of the yr due to harsh winter situations.