An official spokesman said air force and army helicopters did dozens of sorties to rescue the 2000 stranded pilgrims.
All the pilgrims have been brought to Baltal area and would be escorted to Srinagar today. the spokesman said among the rescued were 119 ill pilgrims. They were admitted to the army hospital where the condition of around 45 were declared critical.
According to sources the death toll in the tragedy has gone up to 124 and more casualties are not ruled out.