Death toll rises to 30 in flash flood in Uttarakhand

The death toll in sub-Himalayan region in Uttarakhand rose till Saturday night as the rainy situation and flash flood deteriorated the condition. The consistent torrential rains, cloud burst, flash flood and land slides in Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Garhwal districts have risen the death toll to 30.

As many as 40 people, including 19 labourers at a project are missing in the sub-Himalayan region. The government Sunday asked the ITBP, police and army for help.

The meteorological department has warned more heavy rains may continued on Sunday.

According to official sources, government has confirmed the death of 12 persons including three children and three fire- fighting jawans while unofficial sources reported the death toll to 30.

The government asked the army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and state police to search for the 19 labourers who went missing at a hydel project in Assi Ganga in Uttarkashi, about 180 km from here, late Saturday, officials said.

With rains continuing in many parts of the state, rescue operations are getting affected, officials said.

Also, due to landslides and washing away of roads, the annual Char Dham yatra has been halted, said officials.

A cluster of homes was washed away in the Gangotri after a bridge collapsed due to rain.

The water levels in Bhagirathi, Alkananda and Yamuna rivers are running at danger levels, officials said.

Also, all major hydel projects have been shut down following torrential rains. Three small state-run hydel projects in Uttarkashi district have also been damaged.

Producing an average of 18-20 million units a day during the monsoon, the hydel projects have been stopped due to fear of silting and fears of damage.

--With IANS Inputs--