Amid rescue operations, a second spell of rain is expected in Uttarakhand. Weather models at Skymet predict thunder showers across the state on 24th of June. Heavy rain is also expected at one or two places over Champawat, Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Chamoli Districts.
Intensity of rain is expected to increase on the 25th and 26th June. Several places in the state could receive heavy to very heavy rain on these two days. There are also chances of landslides at many places.
Alarmed by the predictions, salvaging operations have been stepped up in the state. The paramilitary forces and army have been working round the clock to evacuate people stuck in flood-hit areas. The army has increased its deployment of rescuers from 500 personnel on the first day to more than 6000 by Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Air Force has increased the number of sorties and is trying to evacuate more people. The Army Aviation unit has carried out 115 helicopter sorties till now.
Besides the Army and the Air Force, personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, National Disaster Relief Force and BRO have been engaged in search, rescue and relief efforts. They too have stepped up rescue operations keeping weather predictions in mind.
The Navy too is not behind and has joined relief operations. It has deployed 45 divers for rescuing people stuck in deep waters.
Photo by indianexpress.