Dehradun, Aug 19 (UNI) At least 13 people lost their lives, while six were reportedly missing in rain-related incidents in Uttarakhand on Monday, after the excessive downpour, cloudburst and massive landslides threw the normal life out of gear in this hill state.
According to Secretary of the State Disaster Department Ajay Negi, Mori Tehsil in Uttarkashi district had suffered maximum damage, wherein 11 bodies have been recovered, so far. While seven bodies were retrieved on Sunday, four more were recovered on Monday morning, he added.
Talking to reporters here, Mr Negi said the inclement weather was hindering the rescue operation, undertaken by both the Central and state level teams. Mori, being a difficult area, added to the misery of villagers, he added.
Total 12 villages have been confirmed to be affected, while three had been cut off completely, while Arakot area reported six people missing, after the incessant rains, said the SDD Secretary.
According to Mr Negi, the Indian Air Force helicopter has set up communication resources in Arakot, to establish contact with the villages and tehsils in the area.
Four injured people have been shifted to Doon Medical College in Dehradun, for treatment.
Mr Negi said four quintal food items, apart from tents and other relief material, is being provided to the affected. Small helipads have been constructed in distant and difficult areas, while 10 teams were dispatched on foot on Sunday, for relief and rescue work.
Agriculture Minister Subodh Uniyal and Minister of State Dhan Singh Rawat also reached the disaster-hit Arakot and took stock of the relief work on Monday.
The weatherman has predicted more rainfall in Kumaon area, with the result the administration has sounded an alert in nearby villages.
In another incident, the car of a Delhi-based family, which had come to Uttarakhand on a picnic, was washed away in a flooded nala, killing two women on-the-spot, while another woman was feared drowned on Sunday.
Four members of the family have been admitted to a hospital, while search was on, to locate the missing woman, added Mr Negi.
UNI RJ