 "U'khand floods: 73,000 evacuated, death toll crosses 500")
Over 73,000 people have so far been evacuated from the flood and landslide-hit areas of Uttarakhand as rescuers intensified their efforts to help those stranded in different inaccessible parts of the hill state.
The army, which has been at the forefront of rescue operation in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand, today rescued over 1,000 people in the mountains between Gaurikund and Rambara in Kedarnath.
In Joshimath sector, the army has constructed a temporary bridge across Alaknanda River near Govindghat to facilitate Hemkunt Sahib pilgrims to cross over.
A road link has been opened from Sonprayag to Gaurikund.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed 13 more aircraft for relief and rescue operations. 55 helicopters have been pressed into service for rescue work
The IAF has also deployed its heavy lift MI-26 helicopters for transporting fuel and heavy equipment required by the Boarder Road Organization (BRO) to clear roads closed due to landslide.
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With the Meteorological Department warning of more rain and storms from Monday, the various agencies on the ground including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are operating with urgency.
Special trains are being run, and additional bogies have been added to existing trains to help the pilgrims reach their destinations.
Meanwhile, the death toll in the tragedy has gone up to 556. In Haridwar, 40 bodies of those killed in the flash floods and incessant rains were found. The government has warned that the death toll could rise dramatically as flood waters recede and rescue workers reach isolated areas.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde is presently in Dehradun to take stock of relief and rescue operations. The government has appointed former Union Home Secretary V.K. Duggal as a nodal officer to coordinate the relief and rescue operations.
The distressed family members waiting for their relatives at the Dehradun Airport are angry at the administration. They said that they are being offered little information and assistance by the government.
The Uttarakhand Government has set up control rooms in all districts. These include: State Emergency and Operation Centre - 0135-2710334, 9897890981, 9152443853; Rudraprayag - 01364-233727, 9412914875 and 8859504022; Nainital - 05942-231179, 9456714092 and Dehradun - 0135-2726066, 9412964935.