This Article is From Jul 09, 2013

Uttarakhand: More than 11,000 missing, says UN


Jul 09, 2013 12:50 (IST)
All stranded officials at Kedarnath evacuated
All officials and workers stranded at the Kedarnath shrine in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand, were airlifted this morning, as rescue efforts resumed today after days of incessant rain. The officials, over 70 in number, are said to be in good health.
Jul 05, 2013 19:32 (IST)
It all happened in one night
How long does it take to cover 110km? If it's the national highway, maybe two hours. So what if the national highway got washed away in huge chunks, or caved in after landslides?
Jul 03, 2013 10:22 (IST)
Ganga rising, heavy rain in Uttarkhand as locals struggle to survive
Garhwal and Kumaon area witnessed heavy downpour this morning and officials have been asked to monitor the situation closely.
Jul 02, 2013 13:37 (IST)
Ajay Pradyot, Secretary, Uttarakhand government, counters this claim. He says:

  • Our estimates more or less remain the same
  • It is a very scientific procedure that we are following
  • Four plans that we are following and we are arriving at a figure of around 3000 (missing)
  • These are the figures that we have received from the districts, based on FIRs, websites and complaints of those people who have come to us
  • Still trying to collate the info so can't commit the figure but definitely it's going to be around 3000
  • I expect that in next 3-4 days, some info will start pouring in from Rudraprayag, of the locals who have been affected
  • What could change these figures is the number of locals who have not registered with us
  • I do not know from where they have got this 11,000 figure
  • But we are sticking to our figures
Jul 02, 2013 13:36 (IST)
Uttarakhand: 1,350 evacuated from Badrinath, UN says over 11,000 missing
A total of 1,350 people have been evacuated from Badrinath while over 3,500 remain untraced in flood-hit Uttarakhand even as a United Nations (UN) agency estimated that the number of missing could be over 11,000.
Jul 01, 2013 16:33 (IST)
Ajay Maken, head of the Communications Department for the Congress, says:
Thank the defence forces for their bravery. This is biggest evacuation operation.  Jawans have risked their lives to save lakhs of people
We are satisfied with the way the Uttarakhand government is functioning
In such a situation people should rise above politics
Instead of criticizing the government, they should help
Jun 29, 2013 19:48 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Figure of 10,000 deaths is incorrect, says Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has dubbed as "inaccurate" the state Assembly Speaker's claim that more than 10,000 people may have died in the flash floods and landslides that were triggered by torrential rain in the state two weeks ago.
Jun 29, 2013 19:40 (IST)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna tells NDTV:

  • Figure of 10,000 deaths in Uttarakhand incorrect
  • Details on casualties will be declared truthfully
  • Archaeological Survey of India team will soon survey Kedarnath
  • Tourism is Uttarakhand's lifeline, will be restored
Jun 29, 2013 19:19 (IST)
More than 900 have dead in Uttarakhand floods: Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde
Interim report says loss of Rs 700-800 crore in the floods: Uttarakhand Chief Secretary
Jun 29, 2013 19:18 (IST)
Harsil fully evacuated, Air Force flew out last 12 pilgrims
Air Force has airlifted a total of 842 pilgrims from Badrinath
Jun 29, 2013 18:45 (IST)
Partial de-induction of Air Force choppers to begin from July 2
Adequate strength will remain for rehabilitation work
Jun 29, 2013 17:47 (IST)

Air Force choppers have airlifted 590 pilgrims from Badrinath today

Jun 29, 2013 16:27 (IST)
Uttarakhand: death toll could cross 10,000, says Assembly Speaker
Govind Singh Kunjwal has said that he fears that more than 10,000 people may have died in the flash floods and landslides that have ravaged the state since June 16. Officially, the death toll is nearly 1000 so far.
Jun 29, 2013 13:53 (IST)
Kedarnath shrine damage to be assessed by experts
A team of experts from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will visit the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand to assess the quantum of damage caused by the recent floods and landslides.
Jun 29, 2013 10:56 (IST)
The body of Darrell Castellino, who was the commander of the ill-fated Mi-17 helicopter that crashed in Gaurikund on Tuesday, was brought to Mumbai by a special Air Force flight this morning. Hi body will be kept at Nanavati Hospital tonight. Funeral will be held at a church in Vakola in the afternoon tomorrow.
Jun 29, 2013 10:49 (IST)
Reports of rain in Rudrapyag and Kedarnath.
Jun 29, 2013 10:25 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Over 1000 people still awaiting rescue in Badrinath, 1800 reported missing
Over one lakh people have been rescued in the last 14 days since floods and torrential rains ravaged Uttarakhand. But more than 1000 people still remain stranded in the holy town of Badrinath. Another 1800 are reported missing.
Jun 28, 2013 17:05 (IST)
Army veterinary personnel attending to animals in flood affected areas:

Jun 28, 2013 16:24 (IST)
NDMA vice-chairman Shashidhar Reddy:

  • 1636 villages have been connected so far; 739 villages yet to be connected. BRO told to at least provide mule tracks
  • Home Minister has asked IAF to keep choppers to supply essential commodities to remote areas
  • Debris at Kedarnath needs to be removed
  • As of now there are no reports of epidemic. Health Ministry has kept 50 doctors on standby
  • 50 satellite phones have been distributed, communications restored to most places
Jun 28, 2013 14:26 (IST)
Guard of Honour for 20 bravehearts who died in the chopper crash
Twenty bravehearts, who died in Tuesday's chopper crash while rescuing stranded people in flood-ravaged areas of Uttarakhand, were given a 'guard of honour' - a ceremonial mark of respect - by the government today in Dehradun.
Jun 28, 2013 12:52 (IST)
Chopper crash lands in Harsil, no casualties
A Pawan Hans helicopter crash landed today in Uttarakhand's Harsil town while trying to take off amid heavy rains.
Jun 28, 2013 12:51 (IST)
Guard of Honour for 20 bravehearts who died in chopper crash
Twenty bravehearts, who died in Tuesday's chopper crash while rescuing stranded people in Uttarakhand, are being given a 'guard of honour' - a ceremonial mark of respect - by the government in Dehradun.
Jun 28, 2013 10:11 (IST)
The bodies of those who died in the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand on Tueday will be brought to Delhi today from Dehradun. They will be given full military honours and will then be flown to their respective destinations.

Five of the victims are from Barrackpore in West Bengal

Jun 28, 2013 09:36 (IST)
Army Chief General Bikram Singh arrives in Dehradun
Jun 28, 2013 09:33 (IST)
Uttarakhand: A three-year-old rescued but has nowhere to go
While some families grieve the loss of their loved ones in the massive flash floods, it's a long and agonising wait for several others.
Jun 27, 2013 18:05 (IST)
Your help for Uttarakhand is making a big difference.

Click here for details on what's needed...

 
Jun 27, 2013 17:59 (IST)
Dehradun airport's wall plastered with hundreds of photographs of missing
Just outside the back gate of the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the anxiety for missing pilgrims caught in the Uttarakhand flash floods is now turning to anger. Read story here
Jun 27, 2013 17:01 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Army Commander walks with 500 people out of Badrinath
Bad weather made it tough for helicopters to ferry the hundreds of people who remain stranded at Badrinath, now the focal point of rescue operations in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand.
Jun 27, 2013 16:36 (IST)
 Vice-Chairman of India's National Disaster Management Authority, M Shashidhar Reddy:
  • Uttarakhand government has started distribution of relief
  • Medical teams doing DNA sampling exercise at Kedarnath
  • Stranded tourists have been allowed free access to state tourist homes
  • Special bogies are also being arranged
  • Locals to get compensation through the DMs
  • Most road links established
  • Road links yet to be established between Joshimath and Badrinath, Uttarkashi and Gangotri, and Rudraprayag and Gaurikund
  • 9 NDRF personnel, 6 Indo Tibetan Border Police, and 5 from Indian Air Force will be given guard of honour tomorrow in Dehradun


Jun 27, 2013 15:34 (IST)
Air Force evacuations update:

Operations in Harsil to continue as locals will be evacuated
500 rescued today in 40 sorties
100 pilgrims remaining
1000 more, including locals, need to be evacuated

Badrinath: 390 people evacuated; 2,000, mostly elderly, still awaiting rescue. 15 sorties undertaken today

Rescue at both places stopped for today due to bad weather

Jun 27, 2013 11:29 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Proud that he lost his life for the country, says martyr's family
Shops around Chandni Chowk's famous Paranthewali Gali in Delhi were closed on Wednesday. The area was paying respect to Flight Lieutenant Tapan Kapoor of the Indian Air Force who died in Tuesday's chopper crash.
Jun 27, 2013 11:26 (IST)
Uttarakhand: at least 4,000 still awaiting rescue, most stranded in Badrinath
Eleven days after flash floods and landslides hit Uttarakhand, at least 4,000 people, most of them pilgrims, are still waiting to be evacuated from the Himalayan state. Most of them are stranded in Badrinath.
Jun 27, 2013 11:06 (IST)
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will visit Dehradun to pay tribute to soldiers who died in the helicopter crash on Tuesday. He is likely to leave - weather permitting - after 12.30 pm and come back by 4 pm.
Jun 27, 2013 09:25 (IST)
Air Force evacuations update:

  • 1,341 people taken out on Wednesday
  • 350-odd people recused from Badrinath, rest from Harsil
  • Total evacuations by air force so far stands at 13,500

Jun 27, 2013 08:30 (IST)
Mass cremation of bodies begins in Kedarnath
With the weather clearing a bit and a threat of epidemic looming large, mass cremation of bodies has begun in Kedarnath, the epicenter of destruction in flash floods that struck Uttarakhand nearly two weeks ago.
Jun 27, 2013 07:45 (IST)
  • Air rescue operations have resumed in Dharasu-Harsil and Gauchar-Kedarnath sectors
  • Air Force is waiting for the weather to clear in Badrinath sector

Jun 26, 2013 19:23 (IST)
RK Sharma, Air Marshal, spoke to the press at Barrackpore airport in Bengal on the chopper crash. The chopper and five jawans on board were from Barrackpore.

Here are the highlights:

  • Air Force has a well-planned mission on this disaster management. Standard operating procedures are in place
  • We will not stop until the last person is out
  • We will deal with the issue of bodies once we have spoken to the next of kin
  • On the brave heroes who lost their lives: they are heroes beyond the extent that their commitment shows. We have our ways and means of honouring people.
  • We are doing what you want us to do- that's good enough for us. Other awards and honours will come with time.
  • Please don't bring any political skewedness into this operation by calling it a thankless job
  • I do not know the exact reason of the cause of crash
  • Reasons will be known after the enquiry completes

Jun 26, 2013 19:07 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Congress, TDP fight at airport to stake claim to survivors
In a bizarre gesture of staking claim, both parties wanted to fly home the survivors, who are from Andhra Pradesh. (Video Courtesy: NTV)
Jun 26, 2013 17:27 (IST)

From National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) presser:

  • A counsellor has been sent to Badrinath today
  • NDMA in touch with health department and state government for extending help to locals too
  • 10 feet of debris and slush in the Badrinath area. Many feared dead here
  • State government wants to finish all cremation work by June 28

Chopper crash site:

  • Nearest helipad is 10 km away from chopper crash site
  • Bodies have been located but have not been brought up
  • The chopper went down after hitting a cliff
  • Bodies will be brought to Dehradun by tomorrow. All bodies have been identified.



Jun 26, 2013 16:04 (IST)
Uttarakhand chopper crash: 17 bodies have been recovered so far. Air Chief NAK Browne, who is in Uttarakhand today, had said earlier in the day that all 20 people on board the Mi-17 helicopter that crashed near Gaurikund yesterday are dead.
Jun 26, 2013 15:29 (IST)
JUST IN:

Uttarakhand Tourism Minister announces Rs 100 crore restoration package for affected tourist facilities.
Jun 26, 2013 11:40 (IST)
Amit Prasad, Deputy Inspector General, ITBP, and Inder Negi, Inspector General, ITBP on yesterday's chopper crash:

  • Paracommandos moved into the area, in Gaurikund, on foot and are searching for the bodies.
  • We have our personnel.
  • Morale is high. Certain legal formalities which will have to be done.
  • Thank you for communicating to the country all that we are doing.
Jun 26, 2013 10:56 (IST)
Air Chief speaks at the Gauchar airbase:

  • The accident took place last afternoon, close to Gaurikund
  • There were three helicopters. One was following the other, and was 10 minutes behind
  • When this happened by evening we managed to slither down
  • They have reported that there no survivors
  • There were 20 people on board, five of them were cremembers, five were from the NDRF and six from ITBP
  • I wont say anything was pushed
  • Our men highly trained and motivated
  • Morale of the force is extremely high. I'm extremely happy with the way they are performing
  • We have to finish the mission and finish it right, for their sake
  • We'll make sure that the job will be done
  • From tomorrow hoping to see improved weather; the tempo will also pick up
  • We have some wok to be done in Harsil
Jun 26, 2013 10:42 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Air Chief NAK Browne's helicopter arrives in Gauchar


Jun 26, 2013 10:22 (IST)
5000 people still stranded, rescue ops to focus on Badrinath and Harsil
It is bright and sunny in Rudraprayag, near Badrinath, but it is raining heavily in Pauri district. Fresh landslides have been reported in Pauri and a few houses and vehicles have been damaged. A road approaching the Paithani and Mulund areas has been washed away.
Jun 26, 2013 10:15 (IST)
Our rotors will not stop turning: Air Force chief in Dehradun
The Indian Air Force has begun its sorties from Gauchar, which is the hub of relief and rescue operations, on schedule this morning. Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne is in Uttarakhand today to boost the morale of his men who are engaged in their largest-ever rescue mission.
Jun 26, 2013 10:14 (IST)
You are our guiding beacon: Air Force tribute to officers who died in Uttarakhand
On Tuesday, on its third rescue sortie of the day, the Russian-made Mi-17 V5 helicopter that Wing Commander Castelino was commanding crashed in treacherous terrain while returning from Kedarnath. All 20 people on board are feared dead; 12 bodies have been recovered so far.
Jun 26, 2013 10:11 (IST)
Uttarakhand chopper crash: all 20 on board feared dead, 12 bodies found
On the morning after a tragic helicopter crash in which all 20 people on board are feared dead, most of them military heroes who worked tirelessly to save lives in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand, the Indian Air Force's rescue operations are continuing without pause.
Jun 26, 2013 09:46 (IST)
Air Chief NAK Browne reaches Dehradun on morale boosting mission. "The NDRF and ITBP personnel as well as our men have done an outstanding job. About this chopper crash, I express condolence in behalf of the entire nation. It is a serious loss, but our operations are going to continue. Most of the job is done but we still have to take people out from Badrinath and Harsil sectors. Hopefully, in a few days, if weather is good, we should be done. I met the boys today and told them that rotors will not stop turning. We owe it to those who lost their lives in this rescue operation," he said.
Jun 26, 2013 07:27 (IST)
Heavy rains at Thalisenrh in Pauri district in Uttarakhand. Land-slides after rain have affected dozens of houses. A few vehicles have also come under the landslide. Most damage has been reported from Paithani and Mulund areas. Road approaching to these areas have also been washed away
Jun 25, 2013 23:49 (IST)
Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne likely to visit Dehradun and Gauchar
 
Jun 25, 2013 20:53 (IST)
Jun 25, 2013 20:09 (IST)
19 people were on board the MI-17 chopper that crashed in Uttarakhand, National Disaster Management Authority said. Air Force says eight bodies have been found.
Jun 25, 2013 18:35 (IST)
Department of Telecommunications (DoT):
To get the location details of your loved ones stranded in Uttarakhand natural calamity, please contact our helpline nos: 9818003057, 9958976317.
Jun 25, 2013 18:33 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Air Force helicopter crashes; eight dead
The Mi-17 helicopter was returning from Kedarnath. Three civilians among those killed.

Jun 25, 2013 17:38 (IST)
Air Force deploys specially-trained Garud commandos for rescue operations
As weather improved in Uttarakhand this morning, the Air Force helicopters are evacuating over 6,000 people who are stranded in different parts of the state, most of them near the holy town of Badrinath.
Jun 25, 2013 17:26 (IST)
Blog: 24 hours at the army camp at Harsil in Uttarakhand
NDTV's Tanima Biswas reports form Harsil army relief camp in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand, where over 1000 people are still stranded.
Jun 25, 2013 17:26 (IST)
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary: Two MI-17 helicopters are at the disposal of the Commissioner. People are stranded at Harsil and Badrinath.

Jun 25, 2013 12:15 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi visits Kedarnath after a delay this morning because of bad weather.
Jun 25, 2013 12:05 (IST)
Rahul is in Uttarakhand as a citizen not 'Rambo', says Congress
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had to abandon his plans to go visit Badrinath and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand today after bad weather made it impossible for helicopters to fly.
Jun 25, 2013 11:53 (IST)
JUST IN:

Helicopter operations resume as weather improves
Jun 25, 2013 11:48 (IST)
6,000 people remain stranded in different parts of Uttarakhand, most of them near the holy town of Badrinath. Heavy rain since Monday evening is making it impossible for helicopters to reach stranded pilgrims, though many of them are now in temporary relief camps with access to food and water.

Here are the 10 latest developments in the story:

  1. Rescue efforts are now focused on Badrinath and Harsil, which is nearly 400 kms away. 1200 people who are at Harsil are waiting to be air-lifted.
  2. The first batch of yatris or pilgrims who were stuck near Badrinath have just been rescued. They were escorted through a ropeway and makeshift bridge by soldiers.
  3. The national highway that connects Badrinath to Delhi is blocked in several parts because of fresh landslides. So thousands of pilgrims are waiting to move out of the region.
  4. The  search and rescue operation in Kedarnath, the epicentre of the disaster, has concluded, said officials today. "No survivors remain in the jungles around Kedarnath. They have all been brought out," said Ravinath Raman, an officer involved with the rescue operation.
  5. Congress vice-President Rahul Gandhi spent the night at a base camp in Gauchar last night. He arrived in Uttarakhand on Monday as Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde warned that visits by VVIPs impede rescue operations, and that political leaders will not be given landing rights.
  6. Near the Kedarnath temple, preparations are being made for a mass cremation to ensure that rotting bodies do not lead to an outbreak of diseases. Huge quantities of firewood and ghee, needed for the cremation, are to be air-lifted once the weather clears. Local priests will supervise the last rites.
  7. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has said that he expects the death toll to reach 1,000 after rescuers access the remotest areas which have been cut off by floods.
  8. The Supreme Court today ordered the government to scale up the relief and rescue operations.  The court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation or PIL on the national disaster.  
  9. Yesterday about 800 people were evacuated on foot using makeshift bridges across swollen rivers, an Army spokesman said. About 1000 people were also air-lifted from parts where the rain was not heavy enough to ground military helicopters.
  10. Unmannd Aerial Vehicles or UAVs are being used to scan thick forest areas to help locate any people who are stranded.
Jun 24, 2013 21:34 (IST)
Government releases fact sheet on Uttarakhand rescue and relief operations:

Despite bad weather which partially affected the air evacuation operations, the Army, ITBP, NDRF and BRO continued to press ahead with the relief and rescue activities.

Army:


The Army evacuated 1375 persons today of which 368 were from Harsil and rest from Badrinath.

Tracks have been created from Harsil to Uttar Kashi to enable persons who are physically fit to walk down to Uttar Kashi and then proceed on vehicles.

IAF:

IAF did 115 sorties from Dharasu and 20 from Shimla to evacuate 1095 persons from Harsil. However, due to bad weather the operations were severely affected.

ITBP:

  • The ITBP evacuated 450 persons from Badrinath and 267 from Gangotri Maneri area.
  • The ITBP combed the Bhairon Chetti area and ensured that there are no survivors there.
NDRF:
  • The NDRF rescued 120 persons today from Harsil. Dead bodies recovered in Kedarnath area were handed over to the local police.
  •  NDRF also confirmed that there are no survivors left in Kedarnath, Bhairon Chetti area.
BRO:
  • The BRO continued its operations to clear the passages between Tilwara and Rudra Prayag.
  • The access between Gupt Kashi to Tehri was also cleared.
Petroleum:

The supplies of ATF, LPG and other commodities are comfortable to meet the requirements of the IAF as well as of the local population.

Telecommunications:
  • The BSNL has restored all its towers except four which are in Kedarnath, Dharchula, Augustya Muni and Narayan Bagar.
  • Out of 72 telephone exchanges that were down 44 have been restored.
  • 75 satellite phones are in use. Another 25 are being imported from Hong Kong for use by the agencies involved in rescue work.
  • BSNL helpline numbers have received number of calls seeking information on location of missing persons.
  •  The private telecom operators have also set up similar helplines.

Railways:

Railways is running a train from Haridwar to Delhi at 2200 hrs. today.

Jun 24, 2013 21:28 (IST)
To find out last active location of BSNL mobiles of missing persons in Uttarakhand, call BSNL toll-free numbers 1503, 09412024365.
Jun 24, 2013 19:02 (IST)

Jun 24, 2013 19:00 (IST)

Jun 24, 2013 16:00 (IST)
Uttarakhand govt won't allow any state govt rescue work; individual efforts of state governments hampering rescue work: Sources
Jun 24, 2013 14:46 (IST)
The Air Force says air rescue efforts are underway wherever possible. It said it wants this message sent to those stranded and their families, "Our helicopter rotors will not stop churning till such time as we get each one of you out. Hang in there, don't lose hope."
Jun 24, 2013 13:45 (IST)
Heavy rain near Pauri; main road link near Rudraprayag blocked by landslides
Jun 24, 2013 13:44 (IST)
Sitaram Yechury says:

  • Dimension of the tragedy is that we expect lot more
  • We are the first one to collect fund for the people affected in the flood
  • It is better that first of all the fund should be reached materially and monetarily
  • Publicity seeking in this kind of incident is very unfortunate
  • I would just like to say that do not visit the place just for the sake of publicity but to help monetarily and materially
Jun 24, 2013 12:32 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Rain and landslides hits rescue operations, thousands still stranded
Nearly 15,000 people remain stranded in Uttarakhand; the return of bad weather is impeding rescue operations. Helicopters have not been able to fly this morning, and landslides late on Sunday night have blocked major routes that were being used to evacuate people by foot.
Jun 24, 2013 11:21 (IST)
There have been two major landslides reported near Rudraprayag which have blocked a main road that is being used to carry relief supplies. Bulldozers have been deployed to clear the road.
Jun 24, 2013 11:14 (IST)
Two major landslides reported between Srinagar and Rudraprayag
Jun 24, 2013 10:59 (IST)
Sheila Dikshit on relief work in Uttarakhand

  • Regularly aides are being sent
  • Things like clothes, candles, biscuits, medicines and blankets are being sent
 
Ambika Soni

  • Everyone has given 10 lakh from their MP fund
  • It isn't just one day affair
  • Congress Government wants that everyone who has been trapped should get compensation
  • Whenever a big problems like this comes, state Government contact central Government and asks for aid; which was provided
  • People whose houses and shops got drowned will get compensation from chief minister's fund

Oscar Fernandes

  • Food items and clothes have been provided
  • Rahul ji mobilizes everything
  • He leads everything
  • He only brought this process to momentum
Jun 24, 2013 10:30 (IST)
After Modi's 'rescue' act, Sonia flags off relief mission
Narendra Modi's visit to the flood-ravaged hill state and alleged evacuation of 15,000 Gujaratis on the weekend has sparked a slanging match between his BJP and the Congress.
Jun 24, 2013 09:50 (IST)
Uttarakhand: 'Timely police action saved nearly 8,000 lives'
After a warning of heavy showers was issued, the police in Kedarnath and nearby areas swung into action, advising tourists and pilgrims to refrain from undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police, Birenderjeet Singh told NDTV.
Jun 24, 2013 09:40 (IST)
Uttarakhand: hotels destroyed, tourism hit badly
Uttarakhand Chief Minister and other officials have admitted it may take years for Uttarakhand to get back to where it was before. While rescue and relief is the focus, we find locals hit by a double whammy and few options.
Jun 24, 2013 09:40 (IST)
Uttarakhand survivors recount flood ordeal
Rescued tourists returning from Uttarakhand are still in shock and quite traumatised. Some of them recalled how they escaped death.
Jun 24, 2013 08:48 (IST)
'Operation Rahat' update:

  • Cheetah and Mi-17 V-5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be pressed into service today in Badrinath valley again. Weather outlook is marginal.
  • On Sunday, a Cheetah from the Hindon Air Force Station pulled out 80 survivors from a location in Badrinath valley. The survivors were dropped to a safe place nearby. But the chopper was carrying just two passengers at a time, leading to more than 50 landings in one sortie.

Jun 24, 2013 08:38 (IST)

Incessant rain in Gauchar in Chamoli district... Air Force has suspended air rescue operations in the area for the time being... situation will be reviewed in afternoon

Minor landslides too have happened in Gauchar

Jun 24, 2013 08:29 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Heavy rain likely today, 10,000 still stranded
The Army and the paramilitary rescuers have picked up the already frenzied pace of their operations, which have entered the fifth day today.
Jun 24, 2013 08:25 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Sonia to flag off relief mission after Modi's 'rescue' act
A game of political one-upmanship seems to be on over reaching out to survivors of the massive deluge in Uttarakhand. 680 people are reported to have died while 10,000 are still stranded across the state.
Jun 24, 2013 08:14 (IST)
Nearly 8,000 people are stranded in Badrinath; 1,000 are stuck in Pithoragarh and around a 100 people are still at Hemkund Sahib.
Jun 24, 2013 08:14 (IST)
There were light rains in Uttarkashi last night. It is not raining right now, but there are overcast conditions. The Meteorological Department says weather will remain crucial over the next four days. "There's a lot of cloud cover in the Kumaon region. We expect the clouds to spread to the Garhwal region as well... The southern region is likely to see heavy rainfall," said BP Yadav, Director, Meteorological Department.
Jun 24, 2013 08:14 (IST)
Two Air Force choppers took off for rescue operations in Harsil this morning. Nearly 1,700 people are still said to be trapped there.
Jun 23, 2013 23:18 (IST)
At least 5000 may have been killed, says Uttarakhand minister
Kedarnath Valley, the temple town which was the epicenter of the floods and landslides, was also cleared of all stranded pilgrims in stepped up rescue operations amid intermittent rains.
Jun 23, 2013 23:08 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Search for survivors in race against time
With heavy rains predicted from Monday, the weather remains a huge concern for the rescue forces.
Jun 23, 2013 23:00 (IST)
12 foreigners evacuated from Kinnaur in Himachal
Twelve foreigners were among the 150 airlifted on Sunday by the Air Force helicopters from various places in rain-ravaged Kinnaur district while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team rescued 50 tourists.
Jun 23, 2013 22:56 (IST)
BSNL opens helpline to find last cellphone location of those stranded
State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited or BSNL has opened helpline numbers - 1503 and 09412024365 - to enable people find out the last mobile phone location of their relatives and friends stranded in flood-hit Uttarakand.
Jun 23, 2013 22:51 (IST)
Flood-ravaged Uttarakhand to get $150,000 US aid
Aid of $150,000 (around Rs 90 lakh) would be given for relief work in the flood-ravaged state of Uttarakhand, US Ambassador to India Nancy J Powell said on Sunday.
Jun 23, 2013 22:50 (IST)
Watch pilgrims try to rush out of the way of boulders
Stuck in the mountains for days without food and water, pilgrims walk down a steep and crooked mountain path with boulders falling down from all sides. Despite rescue teams asking them to wait from below, these pilgrims are just too desperate to stop.
Jun 23, 2013 15:48 (IST)
Army evacuates all stranded pilgrims in Yamunotri
Jun 23, 2013 15:47 (IST)
Uttarakhand: Army evacuates all stranded at Jungle Chatti. Search operations in progress
Jun 23, 2013 12:37 (IST)
Air Force says:

  • 13 sorties flown from Dharasu for Maneri and Harsil
  • There are many people in Maneri and are being evacuated by six MLH
  • Full-fledged rescue operations from Gauchar are underway
  • Two Mi-17s airborne for Badrinath
  • Rescue operations have also started in Pithoragarh and Rampur
Jun 23, 2013 12:28 (IST)
  • Army helicopters have commenced flying operations from Jungle Chatti and Govind Ghat
  • Air Force has flown 22 sorties for Harsil and Maneri and evacuated 204 till noon
  • Helicopters are airborne for Kedarnath and Badrinath
Jun 23, 2013 11:58 (IST)

Uttarakhand: 80,000 people have been evacuated till now; five helicopters on rescue mission from Badrinath

Jun 23, 2013 11:48 (IST)
Ajay Chadha, Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police, says:

  • Our priority is Kedarnath access
  • In Badrinath people are in better condition, staying in hotels
  • NDRF and ITBP teams have been working continuously since June 18
  • Satellite phones have been arranged by Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Jungle Chatti - a helipad has been set up. It is a critical area
  • There is no other way out if the weather conditions don't get better
  • Harshil is an Army Cant where all the people are staying
  • We are not facing any coordination problems
  • We are utilising Air Force choppers only, do not have choppers of our own

Jun 23, 2013 11:18 (IST)
Six sorties to Harsil undertaken this morning. 106 evacuated; operations continuing.
Jun 23, 2013 10:51 (IST)
  • It is still raining in some areas of Kedarnath; clouds are too low. No flying ops taking place
  • Army has reached 15 km short of Hanuman Chatti. 700 stranded at Hanuman Chatti and Yamunotri
  • 2,000 people awaiting evacuation at the Gangotri-Harsil axis
  • 390 air evacuated from Kedarnath area, 500 others awaiting
  • Badrinath foot movement possible. Two Army medical teams inducted in Gaurikund and Gaucher
  • All children from Pindari Glacier have been evacuated
Jun 23, 2013 09:29 (IST)
Helicopter rescue operations in Harsil resume
.