Landslides and heavy rain disturb rescue operations in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: Fresh spell of rain and landslides at a number of places including the higher reaches of Pauri, Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts on Monday hit rescue operations in Uttarakhand.At least 0,000 survivors in different parts of the state are still waiting to be rescued. Not a single chopper has taken off from Sahasradhara helipad since morning to rescue stranded pilgrims at Badrinath and affected pockets adjacent to it.Reports from Chamoli and Pauri districts said it was raining in the higher reaches hampering chopper operations. The state capital Dehradun was also drenched with rain. Fresh landslips on Badrinath highway has also choked the route.The official death toll as of Saunday was put at 680 while chief minister Vijay Bahuguna said the death toll is likely to be around 1,000.