Uttarakhand rains: Kerala opens sluice gates | Economic Times

Heavy rains have led to the death of over 40 people in different parts of Uttarakhand and many pilgrims are feared stranded in Badrinath. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of the rain-affected areas, said, "Around 40 people have lost their lives and many are missing due to heavy rains. The government is reaching out to those affected and assessing the damage so that action can be taken." "The IAF has inducted three helicopters for rescue and search operations," he added.DGP Ashok Kumar said, "The Kedarnath yatra is likely to be resumed today while a few pilgrims are feared stranded in Badrinath." Meanwhile, the Chardham pilgrims have been stopped at different places amid heavy damage to roads, bridges and railway tracks. The state government will allow them to proceed further if the weather improves.Maximum casualties were reported from Kumaon region, particularly Nainital district. The affected areas in Nainital district included Totalpani village (Mukteshwar), Chaukhuta village under Dhari tehsil, Ramgarh under Bhawali Tehsil and Jyolikot under Nainital tehsil. Naini lake has been overflowing, according to reports.Four persons were injured following landslides caused by the heavy rains at Makhadi Joshimath in Chamoli district. The injured persons are undergoing treatment at CHC, Joshimath. Around 13 roads have been affected in the rural areas of Chamoli district. Efforts are on to restore the movement of vehicles.In Pithoragarh district, the water levels of many rivers, including Kali, Gauri and Saryu have increased. Kali water level was close to the danger mark.In Uttarkashi district, the movement of vehicles has been stopped near Sukhi top on Rishikesh-Gangotri national highway. However, there is no restriction to vehicle movement on Rishikesh-Yamunotri national highways in the district.Uttar Pradesh too witnessed four fatalities due to incessant rains. Rainfall was reported from other parts of the country as well including Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, according to the IMD, which forecast an intense spell of rain over east and northeast till Wednesday, and south peninsular region during next four-five days.