The death toll in North India has risen to 150 due to flash flood and landslides triggered by monsoon fury. Rescue teams have reached the devastated sites to help those stranded.
More than 60, 000 people remain trapped with food and medical supplies running low in the devastated areas, according to CNN-IBN.
"The maximum damage has been in Kedarnath and its vicinity," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in a statement.
The rescue teams using over 100 paratroopers have slithered down to Gaurikund, a Hindu pilgrimage site, on the way to Kedarnath shrine to help stranded pilgrims make their way.
The Kedarnath temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Uttarakhand, is intact but the shops and homes near the temple are badly damaged.
Thousands of people are still stuck at Kedarnath, where over 50 people died. However, there is no clarity on the final death as rescue teams are still battling the floods.
The narrow valley between Kedarnath and Guptkashi is the most affected due to floods and landslides, Indian Air Force official said. Due to the narrow areas choppers are unable to navigate in Kedarnath.
On Wednesday, the PM along with UPA chief Sonia Gandhi did an aerial survey of the rain and flood-affected areas of Uttarakhand. PM also announced ₹1,000 crore (10 billion) to Uttarakhand for relief, of which ₹145 crore (1.45 billion) is being released immediately.
"The Central and State Governments have deployed all possible resources to deal with the immediate aftermath of the ghastly tragedy. About 5500 Jawans and Officers of the Army, 3000 men of the Border Roads Organisation and 600 ITBP personnel are engaged in relief and rescue efforts," Singh said.
"So far, more than 10,000 people have been rescued and are being provided food, clothing and shelter. Many persons still remain stranded."
"Ex-gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh each to the families of those who have lost their lives and ₹50,000 each to those who have been injured will be provided from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Also ₹1 lakh will be provided each to those whose houses have been completely destroyed and ₹ 50,000 each to those whose houses have been damaged."
Check out videos and photos of the floods below:
