Nature's fury from South to North India, 47 missing in Himachal, 150 people in Kedarnath not contactable

The disaster caused by cloudbursts and floods in the hilly states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand has caused huge losses. 47 people are still missing in Himachal Pradesh. The bodies of two children were found on Friday, taking the death toll to seven. Machinery is unable to reach Kullu, Shimla, and Mandi districts due to damaged roads.

Local people are helping the NDRF, SDRF, police, and home guards engaged in the rescue operation. The families of the missing people are waiting for them. Chinook and MI-17 sent by the central government to Uttarakhand have also joined the rescue operation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inquired about the relief and rescue operation from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone.

More than 700 pilgrims stranded in Kedarnath

It is a matter of concern that even on the third day after the landslide in Kedarnath, relatives have not been able to contact 150 people. On Friday, 2,744 more pilgrims were evacuated, but more than 700 people are still present in the Dham. In Himachal, the Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains with thunderstorms on August 3 and 4 and then on August 7 and 8 for the rest of the districts except Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, and Sirmaur.

Relief amount for disaster-affected families in Himachal

115 roads are closed for traffic in Himachal Pradesh, while the power supply is disrupted due to the failure of 225 transformers. 106 drinking water schemes are affected. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, who reached the disaster-affected area of ​​​​Rampur, said that every disaster-affected family will be given Rs 50,000 to buy clothes and essential items. The house in which only one person is left will also be given the full amount. Rs 5000 per month will be given for living in a rented house for three months.

The Chief Minister said that Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu have suffered heavy losses due to floods after cloudburst. 14 bridges, 115 houses, 23 cow shelters, and 10 shops have been washed away in these districts. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. The Prime Minister has assured Himachal Pradesh of cooperation in dealing with the tragedy.

More than 6,980 pilgrims evacuated in two days in Uttarakhand

Communication services in the Dham have been disrupted since the cloudburst and landslide caused by heavy rains on the Kedarnath footpath in Uttarakhand three days ago. A large number of pilgrims are reaching Guptkashi via Chaumasi through the forest, there is no mobile service on this route as well. According to the police, more than 700 people are still stranded in the Dham. These people are expected to be evacuated by Saturday evening. Kedarnath Yatra is suspended due to the collapse of the highway and footpath.

Pilgrims rescued

Rescue teams were engaged in evacuating pilgrims stranded at various stops. 2,744 pilgrims were rescued and taken to safe places throughout the day. Out of these, 559 people were airlifted. Air Force helicopters Chinook and MI-17 sent by the central government have also joined the relief and rescue operation.

Chances of lack of rain in Uttarakhand

It is said that Chinook could not take off from Gauchar due to unfavorable weather, while MI-17 could make only one round, in which 15 pilgrims were rescued. Other passengers were evacuated by helicopter. More than 6,980 pilgrims have been evacuated so far. Out of these, more than 4,000 were rescued on Thursday. It is a matter of relief in Uttarakhand that now there is a possibility of a reduction in heavy rains. The weather will remain clear in most areas of the state. There may be one or two rounds of heavy showers in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Nainital, and Champawat. A yellow alert for rain has been issued for these districts.

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