France condoles India flood deaths

Expressing condolences to the family and the victims over the loss of lives in the floods in north India, the French envoy Wednesday said his country shared the pain of the Indian people and government.

"We convey deepest condolences to the families of the victims. France shares the pain of the Indian people and government and assures them of its wholehearted solidarity in this ordeal," French Ambassador Francois Richier said in a statement.

"It was with great grief we learnt of the floods that have been wreaking devastation in northern India over the past few days, notably in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, claiming the lives of tens of people," the statement added.

Over 62,000 pilgrims and tourists are still stranded in the calamity-hit Uttarakhand. The death toll in the state due to heavy rains and floods is over 100 at least.