According to the latest reports, the death toll from the floods in Uttarakhand could go above 1000.

Approximately 40 bodies were found in the Ganges River, bringing the count of those killed to 207. Since the river flows downstream, most of the bodies were carried down the river to the temple town of Haridwar.

Many rescue units are involved in the clean-up operations including the Indian Army and paramilitary forces. The army is focusing on improving temporary transport in the area building bridges and connecting roads.

"It will take us at least five years to recover from the extensive damages caused to the entire infrastructure network in the Kedarnath area which is the worst affected,' Uttarakhand Agriculture Minister, Harak Singh Rawat told the Press Trust of India.

He added, the floods were the 'worst tragedy of the millennium', after his visit to Kedarnath.

This year's rains are thought to be the heaviest in six decades, washing away hotels, homes as floods destroyed roads and bridges.

Officials say that the state had been warned of catastrophes related to bad weather and poor construction of roads and homes close to rivers.

The army has completed a heroic evacuation of approximately 30,000 people, while about 50,000 are stranded. The Uttarakhand government has begun arranging for cremating the dead, as is customary in Hindu tradition.

Fuel, firewood, and priests are being flown in to Uttarakhand for mass cremations, while relatives of pilgrims and tourists to the area wait in Dharadun for signs of hope for missing family members.

There is also a focus on providing food, and shelter to those that have been evacuated. There is also a concern that an epidemic could be on its way in the aftermath of the tragedy. Scores of decayed bodies have piled up and officials are taking DNA samples to identify victims.

The Chief Minister of the state, Vijay Bhaghuna said that a census would determine the number of dead in Uttarakhand. With Reports by BBC.