Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi conducted an aerial survey of flood and landslide affected areas of Uttarakhand this afternoon.

Dr. Singh yesterday spoke to Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna and assured him of all assistance in rescue and relief operations in the State. The Prime Minister shared the anguish and distress of the affected people.

He said that assistance was already being provided by the Army and Air Force to rescue stranded people and to provide relief. Dr. Singh has also directed all agencies of the Union Government to assist in rescue and relief operations in the flood affected areas of the State.

Briefing reporters after the Congress Core Group meeting, at the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi to discuss flood situation in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said all efforts are being made to rescue people in the affected areas of Uttarakhand. He said three battalions of ITBP have been dispatched to the State. He added that 62,790 people are still stranded in the State.

Our correspondent reports that as per latest reports, 102 people have died whereas a number of people are still missing.

Our correspondent also adds that releif and rescue operations are continuing in the flood and landslides affected areas in Uttarakhand.

The adjacent areas of Kedarnath Shrine have also been affected severely while partial damage to Kedearnath temple has been reported.

Pilgrims of Kailash Mansarover yatra have been halted near Bundi in Pithoragarh district.

With the improvement in weather in Uttarakhand, relief and rescue work has been expedited. Roads blocked by landslides are being opened up gradually for movement of vehicles in several affected areas.

22 Army and private helicopters have been deployed to carry out relief and rescue work in full swing. Jawans of Indian Army, ITBP and NDRF have been carrying rescue and relief work on war footing.

More than 20 thousand people including pilgrims and tourists bound for char dham yatra have so far been evacuated while 50 thousand people are still stranded.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister has given assurance to the Chief Minister, Vijay Bahuguna providing all sorts of central assistance.