(Xinhua) — The death toll in India’s northern hilly state of Uttarakhand rose to 16 due to raging floods, a state government official said on Tuesday.
Some media reports claimed more than 20 deaths in floods-related incidents in the state. Nainital, a famous tourist destination in the state, is among the worst-hit areas with streets flooded with gushing waters, and bridges and train tracks washed away. The Naini Lake, where tourists once enjoyed boating, has overflown.
A cloudburst hit the Ramgarh village of Nainital district during the day, following which several people are feared trapped under the debris.
“Some injured persons have been rescued from the spot where cloudburst occurred. The actual number is yet to be ascertained,” a local top policeman was quoted as saying by local media reports.
In addition to Nainital, other areas that have also been affected include Chamoli, Kathgodam and Haldwani. State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami undertook an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas to take stock of the damage. Earlier in the day, he briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the latest situation. Enditem
