Heavy rains in northern Indian states have resulted in the swelling of rivers and flash floods in parts of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, leaving over 50 people dead and hundreds, including 57 from Chennai stranded, forcing the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to get involved in relief work.
Flash floods in the Ganga and its tributaries triggered by incessant rains for over 48 hours left a trail of death and devastation across Uttarakhand killing 30 people, injuring 19 and damaging 164 buildings.
At least 15 people were killed in different incidents in Uttar Pradesh as flash floods lashed Saharanpur district following incessant rainfall in neighbouring Uttarakhand. IG (Law and order) R K Vishkarma said nearly 45 people were stranded due to the flash floods and were airlifted from Sarsava airbase to safer places by Air Force helicopters.
Over 700 people, including Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh who was campaigning in the area for the Mandi Lok Sabha by-poll slated for June 23, were stranded in the Sangla valley and Army assistance was sought for rescue operations and airlifting them, State Chief Secretary S Roy said.
Cricketer Harbhajan Singh and his family were among those stranded by landslides and rains on their way to Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand.