In Uttarakhand, the army has begun air evacuation of isolated pockets along Govindghat -Badrinath road and Ghagriya -Hemkund track. Nine Army helicopters have been pressed into service and an additional six helicopters would be operational from today. The Army has conducted two days of uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to stranded people in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts. The Army has also inducted 12 medical teams and opened an emergency medical helpline. Over 10,000 personnel of the armed forces have been deployed for relief and rescue operations in the state.
Yesterday Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
conducted an aerial survey of the flood ravaged areas of the state, along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. He announced a one thousand crore rupee package for disaster relief for the flood affected people. Dr Singh said over ten thousand people have been rescued so far and are being provided food, clothing and shelter.
Meanwhile reliable sources have said that the death toll rose to 150 with fears that it may go up substantially.
The state government has said that Rudraprayag was the worst affected district and about 500 roads and 175 bridges have been washed out in flash floods in different parts of the state. More from our correspondent
State Government has set up helpline numbers at Dehradun to provide information about flood-hit areas and people. The helpline numbers are 0135-2717300, 2716201, 2710925, 09411112985 and 09412054085. The state Government has also put up the names of people rescued from flood-hit areas on the state Police website www.uttarakhandpolice.uk.gov.in.
Various state governments have announced relief package for flood-hit Uttarakhand.
The Rajasthan government has decided to extend all possible help, including financial assistance of two crore rupees, to the Uttarakhand government to deal with the destruction caused by the recent flash floods. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit yesterday announced a financial assistance of 10 crore rupees. The Uttar Pradesh Government has announced an assistance of 25 crore rupees.
Madhya Pradesh has announced an assistance of five crore rupees for the flood affected people of Uttrakhand. The state government has set up a control room in New Delhi for the help of its citizens who are stranded in Uttarakhand.
Gujarat has also extended the support of two crore rupee aid. The government will soon start a relief camp at Haridwar for stranded Gujarati tourists.
The Maharashtra government has announced 10 crore rupees for rescue and relief of pilgrims from the state stranded in Uttarakhand.