A private helicopter being used to rescue stranded people has crashed in Uttarakhand. No passengers were on board when the accident happened. The pilot has been rescued.

Officials say most areas that were inaccessible so far have been accessed by rescuers now. They are also hopeful of completing all evacuations by Sunday. (Full coverage)

The death toll in the tragedy is 207 so far, but officials say it could rise dramatically as flood waters recede and rescue workers reach isolated areas. 14,000 people are reported missing, with no information on their whereabouts. (Trying to find someone? Post info here, we will try to help)

The met department says it will start raining again on Monday, which will impede rescue operations.



Over 40 helicopters and soldiers are combing the state to find those stranded. An Mi-26 - the largest helicopter in the world - has also been deployed to augment rescue work.



The chopper, which is usually used to transport goods and troops, is being used to maintain steady supply of aviation fuel, critical for other smaller choppers already in service. It will also carry equipment for repair and construction work. (10 dramatic pictures of rescue operations)

Two 30-metre-long foot bridges are being airlifted for deployment in Kedarnath and Joshimath to help rescue stranded people. Footage shows people in mountain areas trying to walk to safer ground, aided by soldiers, using ropes to climb down cliffs.

In the worst-affected areas, soldiers are cutting down trees and clearing vegetation to allow military helicopters to land and evacuate those most in need, a state official said.

The focus of the rescue efforts today is on Gaurikund, which serves as the base camp for those going to the 1000-year old Kedarnath temple. In a big breakthrough, the army has managed to re-open the stretch between Gaurikund and Sonprayag, the town below it. So people who were stuck near Gaurikund can now be moved down. (Full coverage)