20 bodies have been recovered so far
AMN / WEB DESK
The relief and rescue operations are in full swing in Uttarakhand even as the number of missing people has also gone up to 203 after many people are also reported to be missing from nearby areas.
Twenty bodies have been recovered so far. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat told media today that the State Government has released 20 crore rupees for relief and rescue operations in disaster-affected Chamoli district.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reviewed disaster relief and rescue operations with senior officials in Dehradun. Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Energy Minister Mr. R.K. Singh visited the disaster-hit areas to assess the situation. Ration and relief supplies transported by helicopter to villages cut off from connectivity.
The Chief Minister held a meeting with senior officers of the State Government, Disaster Management and Police, Army and ITBP officials in the Secretariat to review the relief and rescue operations in Joshimath area. He directed the officers that adequate food items should be available in the area. All the necessary materials should be available on time to the personnel engaged in relief and rescue operations.
The Chief Minister also directed the officers that a survey of sensitive places should be done from time to time. SDRF teams should also be deployed near sensitive locations. Director of Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun Dr. Prakash Chauhan informed that the possibility of disaster is being predicted due to fresh snow ejaculation. This led to a rapid rise in the water level of the river. Now the situation is normal. One thousand ration packets and other materials have been sent for immediate relief.
Chief Secretary Shri Omprakash said that the government intends to provide financial assistance to the families of the missing people. An SOP will be issued soon to decide its procedure.
Chamoli District Administration is providing ration, medical and daily needs items to the 13 villages of Niti Valley through chopper due to the road bridge swept away in the disaster. The District Magistrate said that till the alternative arrangement or bridge is ready here, the work of transporting the goods from Heli will continue and efforts will be made to remove the problems of the people of the area at the earliest. Relief materials including 5 kilograms each of rice and flour, sugar, lentils, oil, salt, spices, tea leaves, soap, milk powder, candles, matches are being sent to the stranded people in villages. District Administration teams are searching for the missing people on the banks of the Alaknanda River along with the disaster-affected area.