As rivers in Uttarakhand slowly inch towards the danger level, the state government has started mobilising its State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) especially created for providing immediate response in all disasters.

On Thursday, Ganga was flowing close to the danger mark in Rishikesh, creating fear in the hearts of the people. Similarly, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and Mandakani rivers were flowing just a few metres below the danger mark. Last year the monsoon and subsequent floods had created havoc in the state, killing thousands of people and destroying property worth crores.

On Thursday, a team of SDRF evacuated 130 pilgrims from Kedarnath and its route and took them to Gaurikund. Another SDRF team reached Gangotri to help pilgrims stuck there.

The disaster response teams are on high alert in Dehradun, Hardwar, Lambager (Chamoli), Harsil (Uttarkashi), Kedarnath, Limchuli, Bhimbali and Gaurikund (all in Rudraprayag).

The Met department has predicted heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand till July 19 and said it will decrease after the July 20. Heavy rains are most likely in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Nainital, Almora and U.S. Nagar districts.