Will do everything for the stranded, says Modi on reaching Dehradun

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Uttarakhand's capital Dehradun on Friday and said that this is a big loss for the nation, after the scenic state was struck by flash floods and torrential rains.

" I feel very sad for those who have lost their lives, but will do everything to rescue the stranded. This is a time when we should stand together. I will do whatever is required to control the situation," Modi said.

Modi is here to assess the entire situation and then take effective measures to help rescue operations.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said that over 550 people have died so far in the state after being pulverized by landslides, torrential rain and flash floods.

He also said that more than 50,000 people are still stranded.

The state government has warned that the death toll could rise dramatically as flood waters recede and rescue workers reach isolated areas.

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School students in Patna, Bihar, held condolence meetings and lit candles in memory of those who have lost their lives in the floods and landslides over the past one-week.

They also prayed for the stranded victims.

Reportedly, more than 60,000 people are stranded in parts of the hilly province of Uttarakhand and they are waiting for rescue teams to reach them with all possible aid.

Thousands of people are still stuck in the temple town of Kedarnath, located in the upper reaches of Himalayas.

Thousands of houses have been swept away in the flash floods and authorities are using helicopters to evacuate people and drop essential food supplies.