Dehradun, June 24, 2013: The Dehradun Meteorological Centre warned on Sunday that moderate to heavy rainfall might lash many places of Uttarakhand for 48 hours from Monday, especially the foothills.

Reports from the Uttarakhand Disaster Mitigation Centre said that by Sunday night, 560 people were declared dead, 412 injured, and 334 missing. As many as 147 bridges and 1,307 roads were damaged. It said 94,000 people had been rescued so far, and 9,000 were still stranded. Helicopters rescued around 1,000 people on Sunday, while 12,000 were sent by roads to safe areas. Authorities said communication was restored in almost all areas.

More than 4,000 vehicles and train coaches have been arranged for sending the pilgrims to their destinations.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna instructed officials to re-inspect the areas that have been cleared to check for any remaining pilgrims. Relief has begun in the affected villages, where cereals, candles, dry milk and rice have been sent.

Police personnel have been instructed to accompany the rescued people to safe places.

The Health Ministry has drafted 2,099 paramedical personnel for rescue efforts and decided to deploy medical specialists in Gangotri and Gaurikund.

As many as 436 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals. More doctors were deployed to provide assistance to the rescued, taking the number of doctors drafted for rescue works to 148.

Congress leader Ambika Soni, on a visit to the State, said: “On Monday, 125 trucks carrying relief material shall be sent from Delhi.” She thanked the Army for its tremendous efforts at rescuing the stranded.

Source: The Hindu, DT. June 24, 2013.