Drought, heatwaves intensify forest fires in Uttarakhand, N. Indian
Hundreds of forest fires have killed at least a dozen people and consumed thousands of hectares (acres) of forest in the India’s northern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.
About 430 separate fires have been burning simultaneously since Friday, according to local reports.
Fires have been widespread this year due multiple factors including record-breaking heatwaves, exceptionally dry forests and minimal rainfall.
National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) reported that 70% of the flames have been put out earlier today, according to satellite imagery.
‘Parched earth, broken promises’
Meanwhile, million of people hit by a third year of “epic drought” across India’s parched districts say the government is not doing nearly enough to help, said a report.
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- 330 Million People Affected by Severe Drought: Indian Govt April 20, 2016
- Deadly Heatwave Persists in India April 14, 2016
Fire Earth 