Rescue operations to continue in flood-hit Uttarakhand: R. K. Singh

Union Home Secretary R. K. Singh on Wednesday said that relief work would continue in flood-hit Uttarakhand.

Singh said that the rescue would not slow down in pace, rather efforts would be made to save the last person stuck in the floods.

"The rescue efforts by the paramilitary forces and the National Relief Disaster Force (NDRF) would continue under any circumstance, until the mission to evacuate everyone is completed," he said.

Singh further said that the Uttarakhand Government was using specialist equipment for conducting mass cremations by the rescue teams.

"The request of the state government is not for assistance in cremation. The request of the state government is for some specialist equipment, for locating any dead bodies which may have been buried in rubble, so that assistance will be provided," he said.

The Indian Air Force's rescue and relief operations continued even after yesterday's helicopter accident in which 20 people were killed.

"We owe it to the lives our people whom we have lost, that we sustain the mission and complete it successfully," said Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne.

One C 130 J undertook weather recce mission in the morning hours from Hindan for planning further helicopter operations during the day in the flood affected region.

The IAF continued to operate from Dharasu and Pithoragarh detachments flying six Mi-17 V5s, two ALH and one Mi17 from Harsil - Maneri - Dharasu and Darchula - Milam and Kali - Ramganga river axis.

The IAF since June 17 has flown a total of 1540 sorties, airlifting approximately 13,052 pilgrims dropping/landing 2,16,310 kgs of relief material and equipment.