In "Sinking" Joshimath, 600 Houses Evacuated After Survey Via Satellites

Nearly 4,000 people have been shifted to safe locations, said a senior functionary of Ministry of Home Affairs.

Six hundred houses which developed wide cracks in the "sinking" town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand have been evacuated after a survey via satellites. "As of now we know that 600 houses have been evacuated. And about 4,000 people have been shifted to safe location," a senior functionary of Ministry of Home Affairs told NDTV.

Some cracks were also noted in lower parts of Army and ITBP establishments but adequate safeguards are being adopted, the official said.

Meanwhile, a high-level central team led by secretary, Border Management, Dr Dharmendra Singh Gangwar reached Dehradun and met chief Minister. “Surveys are being conducted by NDRF and local administration to get to exact numbers,” a senior Home Ministry official on ground explained.

It seems 30 percent of Joshimath is affected, he said, adding. “A report is being compiled  by expert committee and it would be submitted to PMO.”