Monsoon floods kill 69 in northern India; military evacuates pilgrims

LUCKNOW, India – India’s army and air force have evacuated nearly 12,000 Hindu pilgrims stranded in a mountainous area after torrential monsoon rains and landslides caused death and destruction in northern India.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde says at least 69 people have died as flooding washed away roads and bridges and demolished 365 homes Sunday in Uttrakhand state.

He says nearly 63,000 people remain stranded Wednesday. Most are Hindu pilgrims to four revered shrines in the region.

Air force spokeswoman Priya Joshi says 18 air force helicopters dropped food packets and other relief supplies.

Monsoon rains cause deadly flooding in India each year.