(GNB Desk): A glacial break in the Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand in India on Sunday led to massive flooding in Dhauli Ganga and Alaknanda Rivers, damaging houses and the nearby Rishiganga power project. Sources said there were 100 labourers on the barrage at Rishiganga of which at least 50 are feared dead. About 150 people are missing, according to the Indian media outlets, even as seven bodies have been fished out.
More than 2,000 members of the military, paramilitary groups and police took part in the search-and-rescue operation, including soldiers expert in mountaineering, working into the night under bright halogen lights, authorities said.
The flood was caused when a portion of Nanda Devi glacier snapped off in the morning, releasing water trapped behind it, authorities said. It rushed down the mountain and into other bodies of water, forcing the evacuation of many villages along the banks of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers.
The state government has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat said, media reports.
Media reported teams from ITBP, which has a base at Joshimath, about 26 km from Reni, along with units of the State Disaster Response Force have reached the spot. National Disaster Response Force teams stationed in Uttarakhand have also left for the spot.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Am constantly monitoring the unfortunate situation in Uttarakhand. India stands with Uttarakhand and the nation prays for everyone’s safety there. Have been continuously speaking to senior authorities and getting updates on NDRF deployment, rescue work and relief operations.”
PM Modi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragic avalanche caused by a Glacier breach in Chamoli, Uttrakhand. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
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