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Uttarakhand fires: Thousands battle deadly blaze in Indian state Uttarakhand fires: Battle to douse deadly blaze in Indian state
(35 minutes later)
Thousands of people are battling deadly forest fires in India's northern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.Thousands of people are battling deadly forest fires in India's northern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.
At least six people have died in the fires, which have torched more than 1,900 hectares (4,700 acres) of forest, officials said. At least six people have died in the fires, which have burned more than 1,900 hectares (4,700 acres) of forest, officials said.
The fires broke out a month ago, but intensified in recent days with more than 400 burning simultaneously.The fires broke out a month ago, but intensified in recent days with more than 400 burning simultaneously.
They have not yet hit Himalayan tourist towns, but villagers say that smoke has affected air quality and visibility.They have not yet hit Himalayan tourist towns, but villagers say that smoke has affected air quality and visibility.
The Uttarakhand fires in numbers
Officials say fires have been widespread this year because the forest is exceptionally dry due to low rainfall.Officials say fires have been widespread this year because the forest is exceptionally dry due to low rainfall.
"This can be compared with the worst fire of 2012," said Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar."This can be compared with the worst fire of 2012," said Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar.
The Indian Air Force has used helicopters to help douse the flames, although low visibility caused by smoke has limited their deployment, local media reported. The Indian air force has used helicopters to help douse the flames, although low visibility caused by smoke has limited their deployment, local media reported.
But the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), which is co-ordinating the fire-fighting effort, reports that satellite imagery indicates that 70 percent of the flames have been put out. But the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), which is co-ordinating the fire-fighting effort, reports that satellite imagery indicates that 70% of the flames have been put out.
The director general of the agency, OP Singh, told the PTI news agency that they have managed to bring down the number of fires from 427 to 110-115 locations.The director general of the agency, OP Singh, told the PTI news agency that they have managed to bring down the number of fires from 427 to 110-115 locations.
India's water crisisIndia's water crisis
Droughts in India as temperatures soarDroughts in India as temperatures soar
Searching for water in drought-hit LaturSearching for water in drought-hit Latur
India's water refugees who live in cattle campsIndia's water refugees who live in cattle camps
'Avoid cooking from 9am to 6pm''Avoid cooking from 9am to 6pm'
A lack of water and wives in IndiaA lack of water and wives in India
Is India facing its worst-ever water crisis?Is India facing its worst-ever water crisis?
The Indians risking their lives for waterThe Indians risking their lives for water
The fires come as India suffers one of its worst droughts in years. The government says 330 million are now affected by water shortages.The fires come as India suffers one of its worst droughts in years. The government says 330 million are now affected by water shortages.