Delhi gets helpline for flood victims

The Delhi government Monday announced that it was setting up a helpline for people from the city who are stranded in Uttarakhand after the devastating floods and landslides in that state.

"We have decided to set up helpline number 1077 for the flood-affected from the national capital," Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told reporters here.

"Round-the-clock helpline number 1077 is being made functional in Delhi from Monday at the divisional commissioner's office to provide help to families whose members are stranded in Uttarakhand," said a statement from the chief minister's office.

"Those whose relatives are stranded in Uttarakhand can send their messages to them through this helpline," Dikshit told reporters here after the cabinet meeting.

The chief minister also said that of the 782 people from Delhi who were stranded last week in the flood-ravaged hill state, 182 have safely returned.

The Delhi government will send its officers to the devastated state to facilitate the travel and evacuation of people, she added.

Meanwhile, heavy rains in Dehradun and other parts of Uttarakhand Monday hampered rescue and evacuation operations.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna Sunday said over 1,000 people may have died in one of the worst disasters to hit the hill state.