Uttarkhand: rescue operations hampered by rain

Rain hampers rescue operations in Uttarakhand with more than 15000 people stranded in different places due to stormy weather. Helicopters employed have not been flying since Monday morning due to the landslides late Sunday night. 

 

Major routes have been blocked. Military helicopters have been grounded due to rough weather with many stranded without food and water. Disaster Management minister Yashpal Arya told reporters that close to 670 people have been reported dead, thus taking the toll of the deceased to 5000. There are hundreds reported to be stuck at Harshil near Uttarkhashi. There have been mass cremations in the flood ravaged in the holy town of Kedarnath.

 

The MET department has forecast heavy rains over the last four days. However there is also a prediction of clear weather in spells. However major landslides have been reported in Rudraprayag, a major base for rescue operations. 

 

As far as rescue operations are concerned since June 15 a reported 80,000 people have been evacuated from four main shrines. Soldiers from ITBP have played an instrumental role in rescue operations erecting rope bridges  to let people move to safety in various areas. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also at the scene active at locating survivors in various parts of the region.