Uttarakhand: 'Will we be evacuated

after we die?' ask those stranded

New Delhi: More than 550 people have died in Uttarakhand after the state was ravaged by floods triggered by torrential rains. Reports say 50,000 people are still stranded and rescue operations are on in full swing to bring those people to safety.

But for those who are stuck in the worst affected areas of the state, it has been a desperate situation. Many climbed nearby hills and stayed there for days without food or water.

"We have been stuck in Gaurikund since 7 days. There were 13 of us initially, now only three are left. We don't know of the whereabouts of the other 10 people. We don't have anything to eat here, we are not getting water to drink," said a woman.

Angry and frustrated people are blaming the government. "Will the government evacuate us after we die? The authorities are not listening to us or helping us. We are all helpless here, we have nothing to eat or drink," said one of the women stranded in Badrinath.

The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain from June 25. The inclement weather could make the task for the rescue workers much tougher.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) says the next two days are crucial and all agencies on the ground will maximise their efforts in the rescue and relief operations.

The NDRF has deployed 13 teams comprising 1,000 personnel to carry out rescue operations alongside the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Army contingents.

The road from Rishikesh to Gangotri has been opened, but only up to Uttarkashi.

The road between Uttarkashi and Harsil is still not open to traffic due to landslides at a number of places. This 74 km stretch will be the main point of focus for the Army today.

The ITBP says those stuck in Badrinath and Hemkund are safe, but they've not had any communication with the survivors for the past 2-3 days. The ITBP hopes to evacuate them today. Over 15,000 people have been rescued by the ITBP forces so far.