U'khand: More rain threatens rescue ops today

Updated: Thursday, July 4, 2013, 17:02 [IST]

Dehradun, June 25: Rescue operations were badly hit in Uttarakhand after resumption of rain affected air operations and blocked roads. The rescuers could only evacuate 1,000 people in the entire day. The weather is expected to deteriorate on Tuesday with more rain predicted in the state devastated by floods and landslides over the last one week.

Rescue helicopters couldn't operate to evacuate victims from Kedarnath Valley and Harsil near Gangotri due to rain in Dehradun and the neighbouring areas. More than 8,000 people are reportedly stuck across the state even after a week has passed since the nature's fury hit the Himalayan state hard.

The state could also face a danger from the overflowing dams like Tehri and Ramganga. The Central Water Commission in its latest report has warned that the water level in these dams is 449% above normal and with more rain likely, the gates of these dams will have to be opened to discharge the excess water, which will flood the downstream areas.

Sources said not a single helicopter could take off from Sahasradhara helipad in Dehradun to rescue about 5,000 people still stuck in Badrinath.

The rain-hit day saw around 1,000 people being rescued from various areas including the Himalayan shrine in Chamoli district and the Gangotri valley. The Meteorological department said air operations are likely to remain paralysed on Tuesday as shower is expected across the state with heavy spells in Uttarkashi and some parts of Chamoli.

Meanwhile, slow disposal of bodies is causing worries as it can lead to outbreak of an epidemic. A medical team which was supposed to collect DNA samples of the dead couldn't reach Augustmuni in Rudraprayag district because of shower spells.

The authorities decided to collect the DNA samples before carrying out the final rites. The cremation process couldn't be started either because of the rain, official sources said.

A cloudburst was also reported at Paithani and adjacent villages in Pauri district. No casualties were reported, however.

In Haridwar

People wade at a flooded road amid heavy rains in Haridwar.

Heavy rain in Saharanpur

People wade through a flooded street after heavy rain in Saharanpur.

Vehicles in flooded ISBT locality near Yamuna River

People looking at submerged vehicles in flooded ISBT locality near Yamuna River in New Delhi.

In Rishikesh

A view of submerged buildings in the flooded river Ganga in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

In Kozhikode

A view of a flooded market after heavy rains in Kozhikode.

Rain in Haridwar

People wade through a water logged road during the heavy rain Haridwar.

The water level in the Yamuna

The flooded Yamuna River flowing dangerously close to the Old Bridge over it in New Delhi.

Yamuna River

People walk at a flooded road near Yamuna River.

Near Dharali

A washed away road near Dharali after flood and landslide in Uttarakhand.

In Uttarkashi

A house caves in at Prem Nagar area due to heavy rains in Uttarkashi on Sunday. Thousands of Char Dham pilgrims were stranded on Gangotri and Yamunotri routes, as incessant overnight showers across Uttarakhand caused landslips in Uttarkashi district and swelled rivers.