Monsoon fury in Uttarakhand, toll touches 102

Incessant rains, flash floods have caused massive destruction in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand with death toll touching 102. The worst hit is the holy town of Kedarnath. According to reports, around 50 bodies are lying in the areas adjacent to the shrine whereas many more are feared to be buried under the debris. This figure is expected to rise once the water recedes and rescue teams are pressed into action.

Aerial pictures show massive devastation in Kedarnath with the town being submerged in mud and slush. Heavy rains have also damaged a portion of the shrine compound though there have been no reports of damage to the Temple.  About 500 people, including several pilgrims, are said to be missing around the temple area. However, some other reports put the number at 6000.

Over 70,000 pilgrims headed for the Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri have been stranded in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi with the char dham yatra being suspended due to landslides and floods.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Uttarakhand has reached 102 with Rudraprayag district being the worst affected. 20 people have died in the district alone. Several buildings situated along the banks of river Alaknanda in Rudraprayag have been swept away by its swirling waters.

 

Photograph by EU Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection