Uttarakhand tragedy

 Excessive and unexpected rainfall resulting in furious floods has battered beyond measure, the Himalayan hill state of Uttarakhand.  Whole villages, stretches of roads and communication links have been affected.  More than 1000 persons met with tragic death.  Thousands, including those from other parts of the country who were undertaking pilgrimages to religiously significant temples in the region, remain stranded.  Hundreds of houses and buildings along the banks of Alakananda and the Bhagirathi has been swept away in Rudraprayag district alone.  Thousands have become homeless.

               As the magnitude of the tragedy caused in Uttarakhand continues to unfold, Prime Minister Sri. Manmohan Singh has issued an appeal for generous donations to support the victims who have suffered extensive devastation.  Prime Minister appealed that – “At this moment, the affected people need our help to tide over the calamity that has fallen upon them, to survive and to rebuild their lives.  I request all citizens of India to stand with our distressed fellow countrymen, and actively participate in the national effort to support them at this difficult time”.