The death toll as reported so far is 131 due to the heavy rains that made the floods hit the habitats of the people of Uttarkhand and Himachal Pradesh and washed away connecting roads, bridges and communication facilities.  

It is estimated that as high as 73000 pilgrims are stranded at different places in the Northern belt.  As per the information received from the rescue teams, the death toll will be in thousands as many bodies might have gone into floods.  As per the reports received, 102 persons died in Uttarakhand and 29 in Himachal.  

Rescue operations are in full swing.  Military is deployed in the rescue operations.  About a dozen helicopters are being used to airlift the stranded persons and to supply food and water to the persons waiting for help.  The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mukhesh Yadav expressed his grief for the loss of lives and livelihood of the people of Uttarakhand and extended a financial help of Rs.25 crores for the relief.

The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi air surveyed the flood hit areas.   The Union Minister for Tourism Chiranjeevi said that they are discussing only on the flood victims and the rescue arrangements in the core committee meeting at the residence of Manmohan Singh.  

A help line at AP Guest House at Delhi is functioning for the sake of the pilgrims from AP stranded in different places in Uttarakhand some going on Char Dham tour and some returning.

(AW-SriJa)