In Uttarakhand, the death toll in yesterday's flash floods triggered by heavy rain has gone up to 31. The death toll is likely to increase as many areas are still inaccessible with telecommunication links severed with district headquarters. Nineteen labourers of the state-run Uttarakhand Jalvikash Nigam Limited's Assi Ganga Hydel Project are reported missing following a cloud burst in the upper hills of Uttarkashi district. The Indo Tibetian Border Police and the Army are carrying out relief and rescue operations. State Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said that the administration is taking all possible steps to reach relief in far flung villages. He said the villagers along the banks of major rivers have been alerted as water level is rising.

AIR Correspondent reports, flash floods have flattened homes and left many pilgrims stranded. Water level of Bhagirathi and Ganga rivers is rising. Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Almora districts are affected by incessant rain. All the major Hydro power projects have been shut down in the state till the situation improves. Schools have been closed in Uttarkashi for the next 5 days. The Uttarakhand government has issued red alert in areas along Ganga. Char Dham Yaatra has been suspended.

In Uttar Pradesh, the flood situation has worsened in some terai and eastern districts due to heavy inflow of water from the heights of Nepal and Uttarakhand. The river Sharda, Ghaghra, Ramganga and Ganga are in spate at most of the places while they have crossed the danger mark at few places.

Meanwhile, the movement of traffic on Jammu- Srinagar National Highway that remained suspended yesterday due to rain and landslides in Ramban district resumed this morning.