Situation in Uttarakhand's flood hit areas will normalize in a year: Bahuguna

New Delhi, Aug.10 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna on Friday said that it would at least take a year for the situation in the state's flood-hit areas to normalize.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Bahuguna said relief work is underway, but the damage caused by the floods is huge.

"We will provide the maximum possible relief to people, which will be within our limits. Bridges are being reconstructed and temporary bridges are also being made, but it will take one year to normalize the situation. We should not take any political mileage. We would appeal to all non-governmental organisations and other charitable trusts to contribute in the chief minister relief fund to help in the time of crises," said Bahuguna.

Last Saturday, many areas of the state were ravaged by a cloudburst and flash floods, leaving thousands of families homeless.

Bahuguna also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the central government for extending monetary and allied assistance to counter the effects of the natural calamity.

He added that the state government was trying its best to provide relief to people.

"Air force helicopters are being engaged in the relief work operations. They are actively involved in pulling out tourists who are struck at various places due to unfavourable weather conditions. We are also distributing food. Arrangements to stay at government accommodations are being made for all those people who have been rendered homeless. There is no power as electricity poles are damaged. Our schemes for water have failed completely. Road are fully destroyed in over 30 places. So, all this will take time. But we have ensured that necessary arrangements are made in order to tackle the situation," said Bahuguna.

The Red Cross has also been approached for all the possible assistance.

Reportedly over 2,000 families have been affected by flash floods that were triggered by the cloudburst over the Uttarkashi region in the state.

Casualties were believed to be more than 28.

Reportedly, the River Bhagirathi swelled up and caused flash floods, which washed away hundreds of houses, commercial buildings and two bridges besides damaging the standing crops. (ANI)