Uttarakhand floods: More than 400 Nepalis stranded
NEW DELHI, JUN 20 -
More than four hundred Nepali pilgrims bound for Badrinath-Kedarnath have been stranded in Uttarakhad State of India due to torrential downpours and landslides. They have remained out of contact due to the incessant rainfall which has cut-off the power supply and communication medium for a week.
Dr Padam Prasad Subedi, speaking to the Post from Haridwar, said more than 400 Nepali have remained out of contact. “Those who’re in contact with me till Thursday, are now out of contact,” he said.
So far, seven thousand pilgrims have been air-lifted to Deheradhun among which 10 are Nepalis after the Indian government started the rescue mission. However, more than 60,000 are still stranded . According to Indian media, the death toll in the Uttarakhand floods has hit 150.
“As two bridges between Rudraprayag and Kedarnath has been damaged, some pilgrims have been stranded in the nearby forest,” said Subedi who has been residing in Haridwar for 40 years. “The Nepali community in Haridwar is ready to contribute to any rescue support.”
According to Subedi, 22 helicopters of the Indian Army and 14 helicopters of the Uttarkhand goverement have been deployed for rescuing people to Dehradun.
Tirtha Raj Wagle, acting Nepali Ambassador to India, said they have already informed the Indian government about the situation which has assured of evacuation.
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