In Uttrakhand, death toll has gone up to 52 following heavy flood and landslides in different places while 44 people are reported to be inujred and 13 others are missing. More than 60 thousand pilgrims are still stranded in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts. Meanwhile, relief and rescue operation are going on in full swing. Helicopters of Indian Air force and private choppers have been pressed into service. People trapped in affected areas are air lifted and shifted to safer places. For helpline, contact can be made on 0135-2716201 and 2710925.
In Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts many buildings, foot bridges and roads have been washed away. According to latest report 338 buildings, 21 bridges including motor and foot bridges have been completely damaged. It has been reported that Kedarnath shrine has been affected by flood and loss of human life and property are also suspected. With the improvement in weather relief and rescue operation by Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF with local authorities are carried out on war footing. According to the official report more than 10 ten thousand pilgrims have been evacuated so far. Food, blankets, medicines and other essential commodities has been despatched for the people who were trapped in affected regions. Beside this food packets were air dropped at affected areas.
The Central Government is extending all assistance, as sought by the State Governments for the rescue and relief operations in flood affected areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had a telephonic conversation with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and assured all possible support to him. Home Secretary R.K Singh is also in touch with the Chief Secretary of the state.
According to an official release, two additional teams of National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) have reached Kedarnath today and have started relief and rescue operations and 72 persons have been rescued. One team of NDRF is in Sangla and the other team is on way to Po to assist the district administration in relief work. On the request of state government and Defence Ministry, helicopters have been made available and 50 pilgrims have been rescued from Kedarnath and brought to Gupt Kashi.
