Even as relief and rescue efforts are continuing in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand and a clear picture of number of victims was yet to emerge, fears were increasing in Andhra Pradesh that loss of life of its pilgrims could be very high and the State would be one of the worst sufferers.
According to the preliminary assessment, as many as 413 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh were still unaccounted for. While 20 pilgrims were confirmed dead, officials were afraid that toll could be much higher.
Official figures released by the State Government suggest that of the total 2,616 pilgrims who had gone to Char Dham Yatra from Andhra Pradesh, 1,239 have returned home safely and 933 have been accounted for safe, either in Uttarakhand or on their way back home.
There was no information about the remaining 400-odd pilgrims, while officials were putting up a brave face that they could be safe elsewhere and will find their way back home.
However, the situation of the families whose members were missing was pathetic as they were frustrated over lack of any information.
One more group of 168 pilgrims reached Hyderabad in a special chartered flight arranged by the State Government. Officials were trying to arrange some more special flights to bring the people stranded in Uttarakhand.
MIM announces relief
Meanwhile, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, a Hyderabad-based Muslim political party, has announced a relief of Rs 78.75 lakh for the flood victims of Uttarakhand. Party president and MP from Hyderabad Asaduddin Owaisi said that a 26-member relief team including doctors was on its way to the flood-hit State. The party was also sending 5,000 kits including dry food material. The medical team was carrying medicine worth Rs 20 lakh. Describing the flood devastation in Uttarakhand as a national tragedy, Owaisi announced a contribution of Rs 6 lakh to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.