New Delhi:
The arduous task of rescue largely over, the equally tough task of reaching relief to the many people who live in remote and now inaccessible areas of disaster-torn Uttarakhand is underway. The biggest concern is missing people, a number rising sharply by the day as the state government compiles lists based on first information reports or FIRs registered by different states.
The government estimates that more than 4,000 people are missing, but the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has said the number could be much higher. NDMA vice-chairman Shashidhar Reddy said an estimate by some non-governmental organisations or NGOs that about 11,600 people may be missing cannot be ignored.
"There are three categories - pilgrims, local residents and those who work as labour. I think an assessment of these numbers will have to go into the official figures," Mr Reddy said.
The official said about 1.10 lakh people who were stranded in the hill state following flash floods and torrential rain had been rescued and at present inaccessible habitations are being provided
with essential items, besides laying roads to such remote areas.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been used to make sure that nobody is left out in rescue, he said.
Replying to a query, Mr Reddy said state governments should have a full-time vice chairman for disaster management.
The Met office has predicted heavy rain today, much like the last few days.