Decaying corpses a health hazard: ITBP

Decomposing human and animal corpses in the flood-ravaged Kedarnath in Uttarakhand are posing a health hazard to the ITBP personnel engaged in rescue efforts, an official said Tuesday.

"Decaying corpses of pilgrims and animals in the Kedarnath area are posing a threat to the health of our jawans," Indo-Tibetan Border Police spokesperson Deepak Kumar Pandey told IANS.

"The corpses are eight to nine days old. They are rotting. It is difficult to operate in that area due to the strong stench," he said.

Pandey said the ITBP was trying to withdraw its men "as the evacuation work of (stranded pilgrims) is complete".

"Our men involved in relief and rescue operations for the past seven to eight days have been working without any rest," said Pandey.

A cloudburst and consequent floods near the Kedarnath region over 10 days ago have caused a major disaster in Uttarakhand, leaving hundreds dead.