Mass funerals of Kedarnath victims to end Friday: NDMA

The mass cremation of hundreds of flood victims in Uttarkhand's Kedarnath area began Wednesday and may continue for two more days, a disaster management official said.

"The last rites of around 300 flood victims in Kedarnath will end by June 28 (Friday), even today (Wednesday) they were trying to cremate hundreds of bodies but the weather condition, availability of wood and other factors is a hindrance," M. Shashidhar Reddy, vice chairman of NDMA said here.

"As of now the death toll is 560 and it might go up to 1,000 as there is eight to 10 feet high debris to be cleared. So death toll might rise as there are chances of dead bodies trapped under the debris," said Reddy.

"A yagya is also being conducted in Haridwar for the departed souls. While the NDMA is coordinating in the process, state government is taking care of the cremation," Reddy said.

Hundreds of people have been killed in the heavy rain in Uttarakhand, especially in the temple town Kedarnath, over ten days ago. Thousands of people, including pilgrims, have been rescued from the area.