More rains in Uttarakhand hamper relief work

Inclement weather and low visibility hampered relief operations in the disaster-hit areas of Uttarakhand today.

Inclement weather and low visibility hampered relief operations in the disaster-hit areas of Uttarakhand on Monday.

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Since morning, choppers were not able to make sorties for transporting rations to villages cut off by the flash floods a few days ago. Reports stated that choppers were grounded at various places.

Several villages, particularly in three districts — Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh — are on the verge of starvation as they are practically cut off from roads.

Moreover choppers have not been able to make trips since the last three days.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department has predicted moderate to heavy rainfall for another 24 hours, with the southern region of the state expected to get up to 50mm of rain.

According to a government note, till noon on Sunday, Rudraprayag received 21.2mm of rain, Chamoli 48mm, Uttarkashi 26mm, Pithoragarh 8mm and Joshimath 4.6 mm. The water level in the Ganga in Hardwar rose close to the danger mark of 294m.

Meanwhile, the Rudraprayag district administration has prepared a back-up plan to restore a trekking route to Kedarnath.

Rudraprayag has borne the brunt of flash floods.

There are reports that some of the members of a rescue team, who were camping in Kedarnath, were not feeling well. They, too, had not received ration since July 5.