Scores killed as monsoon sweeps north India

2013-06-19 36

Travellers visiting India's Uttarakand Province play the waiting game, stranded by early monsoon floods.

The heavy rains arrived a month early and have caused widespread flooding across northwest and central India, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.

Rescue operations are underway after the swollen River Ganges, India's longest, killed at least 60 people, swept away houses and left tens of thousands stranded.

The district has set up dozens of camps to provide food and water for about 5,000 pilgrims and tourists surprised by the floods while visiting local holy sites.

Over in New Delhi, the swollen Yamuna River has been uprooting trees and submerging temples and shanty towns.

Water levels crossed the danger mark here on Wednesday, prompting residents to prepare for the worst.

(SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) LOCAL RESIDENT ASEEM, SAYING:

"The water level is expected to rise. We will have to remove our shop from this place, if the water level rises, we

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