Relief and rescue operations continue in flood and landslide affected areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Additional teams of National Disaster Response Force reached Kedarnath in Uttarakhnad yesterday and started relief and rescue operations.

In Himachal Pradesh, relief and rescue operations are continuing on a war footing. Two Indian Air Force helicopters are helping the state government in evacuating people including tourists stranded at various places.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the flood and landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rain in Uttarkhand has risen to 102. Rudraprayag district was the worst hit with 20 people dead and 73 buildings swept away in the swirling waters of river Alaknanda.

Over 71,000 pilgrims of Char dham Yatra are stranded in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts and the yatra has been suspended due to massive landslides and damage to the road network.

About 500 people, including several pilgrims, are said to be missing in the area.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh spoke to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna last evening and assured him of all help.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke to Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Chief Ministers of Uttarkhand and Himachal Pradesh seeking timely and prompt relief to affected people in the two states.

Union Home Secretary RK Singh said food, medicines and blankets are being air-dropped in remote areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Flood situation has deteriorated in Uttar Pradesh. A high alert has been issued following heavy rainfall across the state and the release of water by several barrages.

The threat of flood loomed large over Delhi as the water level in Yamuna climbed well above the danger mark. Around 1,500 people in various low-lying areas of east Delhi have been evacuated and sent to relief camps.

In Punjab, the water level in Bhakhra and Pong Dams has risen sharply due to heavy rain in catchment areas of Satluj and Beas rivers.

Monsoon activities have intensified in the Western Ghat region of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The water inflow into dams in southern Tamil Nadu districts has increased.