Will rescue all trapped in Uttarakhand: Army commander

While saying that the army was not "god", the army's Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Anil Chait Friday said they would rescue everyone trapped in the flood-hit areas of Uttarakhand.

"No more people will die there. We will rescue all those who are stranded. We will trudge every trail, every footpath and bring home anybody who is trapped," Lt. Gen. Chait said at a press conference here.

"We're not god, we are here to serve the people of India in war, peace or natural calamities," he said.

He also sought "best wishes" from people to be successful in the mission.

Lt. Gen. Chait said the best army officers have been deployed for the rescue operations and each one of them was equal to four men.

"Those 200 men are equal to 2,000. They are the most elite forces of the army," he said.

However, he added that it was not possible to give a time limit for the rescue operations.

The general said the army will start phase two of its operations Friday evening.

"Bridges have been built to rescue people, bases are being built. We will transport people to safer places. Logistics, petrol, medical support needs to be given," he said.

He said nearly 500 people are stuck at Gangotri, 300 people at Bhairoghati and nearly 1,000 in Harsil.

"In Gauri Kund, skilled mountain troops are carrying out operations. Over 1,500 people are stranded," he said.