New Delhi:
The Indian Railways will allow people rescued from Uttarakhand to travel free of cost, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said today. Extra rakes will also be added in Haridwar to accommodate the rush of people.
The government is also trying to restore cellular services in the region, where at least 200 telecom phone towers have been destroyed.
(Trying to find someone? Post info here, we will try to help)The focus of the rescue efforts today is on Gaurikund, which serves as the base camp for those going to the 1,000-year old Kedarnath temple. In a big breakthrough, the army has managed to re-open the stretch between Gaurikund and Sonprayag, the town below it. So people who were stuck near Gaurikund can now be moved down. Evacuations are expected to be completed by Sunday, officials said. (
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The Indian Air Force has deployed 43 aircraft, including the Mi-26- the largest helicopter in the world- to hasten relief and rescue operations in Uttarakhand. So far, 33,192 people has been safely evacuated. 14,000 people are reported missing, with no information on their whereabouts.
The death toll stands at 207, but officials say it could rise dramatically as flood waters recede and rescue workers reach isolated areas.