Nearly 34 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand’s Ranikhet and Almora remain cut off from the plains – and the former was today forced to ration fuel for emergency services – for a second consecutive day, as the hilly state battles floods, landslides and other disasters triggered by four days of heavy rainfall.

There is little or no fuel available in Ranikhet (around 320 km from Dehradun); what is left has been reserved for emergency services. Low-voltage electricity has been restored after 24 hours, and fibre optic cables (providing telephone and internet services) have been cut in multiple locations.

In Almora (around 345 km from Dehradun), seven people died yesterday, sources said.

Overall at least 34 people have died in rain-related incidents across the state, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami told press yesterday.