Flash floods, landslides claim 34 lives in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, Aug 5: Thirty-four persons have

and at least six more are feared to have lost their lives in the worst

to hit

.

With the state receiving heavy rainfall over the past three days, normal life in almost all the districts has been thrown out of gear. "Nearly 2000 people have been affected in the floods. 200 families have been displaced and have been arranged to live in a relief camps like bhavans and schools. Seven people are missing till now in the Gangotri river," Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said.

Army and ITBP personnel have been asked to aid the state police's rescue and relief efforts in Garhwal, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi where a cloudburst on the night of Aug 3 caused massive landslides.

The district administration has given up hope of finding the 23 construction workers who were swept away by flash floods in the Assi Ganga river. Three children were killed in Chamoli district when their houses collapsed following the incessant rain.

According to officials, the water level in Bhagirathi, Alkananda and Yamuna rivers is near the danger mark. With the annual Chardham yatra being suspended, hundreds of pilgrims are reported to be stranded near the four shrines - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

OneIndia News