Uttarakhand authorities working to arrange 50 tonnes of wood, ghee

The authorities in Uttarakhand have been trying to arrange 50 tonnes of wood and ghee to conduct the last rites of those who lost their lives in the floods at Kedarnath.

According to reports, the authorities of Garhwal administration in the state of 'Van Nigam' and other agencies are trying to gather as much fire wood and logs and cans of 'ghee' from the open market.

There is no clear estimate of how many people have lost their lives in the floods, but the concerned authorities have been asked to make all arrangements.

The concerned government officials are of the view that the bodies will start to rot if the funerals are not conducted soon.

Over 80,000 people are taken to safer places in Uttarakhand so far as 20 to 22,000 people are still stranded in remote locations.

Military helicopters have been grounded because of bad weather, suspending the evacuation by air of those still stranded, many without food and water, in remote areas of the state.

The landslides late on Sunday night have blocked major routes that were being used to evacuate people by foot.

Former Union Home Secretary VK Duggal, who has been appointed by the Centre, to look after the coordination among agencies involved in relief and rescue operations has expressed satisfaction over the evacuation operation conducted by the Army, ITBP and NDRF.

Duggal told the media in Dehradun that operational issues have been discussed with officials and if any additional help will be required, it will be raised before the Centre.