New Delhi, Aug 16 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday expressed grief over the deaths caused by heavy rain in Uttarakhand.

In a message to Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi, the president said: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the heavy rains leading to landslides in certain areas of Uttarakhand, which have caused loss of lives, injuries and damage to property. I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway."

"I am sure that the state government and other authorities are making all efforts to bring relief to those affected and also provide assistance to the people who have incurred losses," the president said.

More than 20 people have died as heavy rain wreaked havoc in the hill states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Prime Minister Modi too expressed grief over the loss of lives due to heavy rain in Uttarakhand and extended his condolences to the families of those who died.

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