ITBP steps up rescue efforts, distributes food in affected areas

Rawat who is currently surveying rescue operations in Joshimath, also said that close to 13 villages nearby Malari and Ghansali have been cut off due to the collapse of a bridge in Raini village.

The additional director general of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Manoj Rawat said that the ITBP is collaborating with the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and Uttarakhand police to provide food packets in Lata and Raini villages.

ITBP ADG Manoj Rawat speaking to media personnel at Joshimath. (ANI/Twitter)

Rawat who is currently surveying rescue operations in Joshimath, also said that close to 13 villages nearby Malari and Ghansali have been cut off due to the collapse of a bridge in Raini village. “Dropping of food supply underway in Lata and Raini villages. We are helping to take it further from there. Teams of the Indian Army, NDRF, ITBP and state Police are working in collaboration,” Rawat was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Rawat also pointed out that there are heavy deployments of ITBP soldiers near Malari and Ghansali which happen to be close to the India-China border. ITBP helicopters have already carried out several sorties in a bid to provide adequate food material to the villages which have been cut off due to the devastation of the bridges.

The chief minister of Uttarakhand has said all efforts are being concentrated in rescuing any survivors and extending help to families of the deceased. The Prime Minister, Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda are currently holding discussions with Uttarakhand MPs regarding the rescue operation and future course of action.