60 killed as rains batter North India

Updated: Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 12:11 [IST]

Uttarakhand, June 18: While some states rejoice the early arrival of monsoon in the country, the situation is tad different in the northern region, especially Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Incessant rainfall has led to devastating landslides, killing over 60 and stranding around 30,000 pilgrims on a 'char dham yatra' or a journey to the four holy places. Various districts, including Rudraprayag and Almora have reported damage of public property and life.

The situation now

The Rudraprayag district has reported over a dozen deaths in the last 24 hours. And over 50 people are missing in the landslides that have washed away vehicles, houses, restaurants and guesthouses. According to sources, the Ganga and its major tributaries are flowing above the danger mark in Uttarakhand. In Garhwal district,the bridge connecting Rudraprayag and Gaurikund on river Alaknanda has washed away.

Haryana and Delhi too face the wrath of the nature as river Jamuna flows above danger mark. The situation in Haryana, especially, is grim as 22 people are reportedly dead and a good 1,000 people are left stranded.

What action is being taken

State officials are leaving no stones unturned to rescue the stranded pilgrims and the homeless. Food packets and drinking water pouches are being transported by helicopters to be air-dropped to help those stuck in the landslides.

Three helicopters of the Air Force have been deported to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Air base for rescue operations. 12 disaster management teams have also been deported for effective rescue management.

The BRO (Border Roads Organization) is working round the clock to repair the National Highway, leading up to Gangotri and Badrinath. The road had been closed due to damages caused by landslides.

What met officials say

The early monsoon has brought bumper showers, as the country witnesses a surplus rainfall of 68 per cent till June 17, reports the met department. Mumbai too is forecast to have surplus rains, although the situation has not yet gone beyond control. Nevertheless, the people here have been warned not to leave home unless absolutely necessary.

The situation is, however, grimmer at the Uttarakhand side as officials confirm that there would be rains for the next 3 days, at least.