The prediction by Weather Department of severe rain in the upper reaches of Uttarakhand has heightened fears among the administration and people. Fresh rains, landslides and cloud bursts impeded rescue operations in the flood ravaged State where over 10,000 people are still reported stranded at different places.
The bad weather grounded most of the big military helicopters from bringing people to safety, however some small helicopters managed to evacuate people. According to Uttarakhand Government 4000 pilgrims and tourists are stranded at Badrinath and Gangotri. Nearly 1000 people have been evacuated from the area today. Another 830 people have been evacuated by helicopters to Joshimath from Badrinath. Army also evacuated people by land route from Badrinath to Joshmath.
State Government has said that about 95 thousand have been evacuated till now. Arrangements have been made for free railway and bus tickets for the evacuated pilgrims and 2000 rupees in cash are also being paid to them. Special communication centers have been opened at Gaurikund, Gauchar, Uttarkashi, Phata, Rudraprayag and Chamoli for the benefit of the people.
Centre on Monday announced to provide houses to homeless people of Uttrakhand through Housing and Urban Development Corporation HUDCO and various housing schemes. Minister for housing and urban poverty alleviation Dr. Girija Vyas told media persons at Jaipur that these people will be included under Rajiv Gandhi Avas Yojna and Swarn Jayanti Avas Yojna.
Besides rain and landslides, a cloud burst was reported in Mulan village in Pouri following incessant rain. Many houses have collapsed but there is no report of any casualty so far. Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shide on Monday said that death toll in the flood ravaged state may cross 1000 mark after the debris is cleared.
The National Disaster Management Authority has called for developing more precise observational and forecasting capability by Metrological Department to avert such disasters. The Vice Chairman of the Authority Shashidhar Reddy on Monday said more lives could have been saved if the weather office had issued precise forecast. Mr. Reddy admitted to gaps in disaster preparedness level of the agency as pointed out by the CAG.
AIR correspondents covering the disaster ravaged areas report that the pain and fear is writ on the faces of villagers living in the hills of Rudrapryag. Many people are looking forward for their near and dear ones who were working in Kedarnath area. At many places, stretches of forests and small hamlets have been flattened by the landslides.
In Himachal Pradesh, man and machinery are working round the clock to open interior roads. Meanwhile in 70 percent parts of this district BSNL has restore its communication network giving local people of far flung areas a big relief.
