Picture :Twitter / ANI
In a major natural disaster that struck Uttarakhand, the Nanda Devi glacier broke off in Chamoli district , triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations, leaving at least seven people dead and 125 missing who are feared dead.
“Experts can tell the reason behind the glacier outburst. But our Government is right now focused on saving lives of people. five locals including shepherds with their 180 sheep & goats swept away in the flash flood. We are assuming that around 125 people are missing. The number can be higher.” said Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat
#WATCH | Uttarakhand: ITBP personnel rescue one person who was trapped in the tunnel near Tapovan dam in Chamoli.
Rescue operation underway.
(Video Source: ITBP) pic.twitter.com/RO91YhIdyo
— ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2021
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said seven bodies were recovered and at least 125 were missing. Homes along the way were also swept away as the waters rushed down the mountainsides in a raging torrent. Further Rawat stated, State government to give financial assistance of Rs 4 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased.
Meanwhile , ITBP personnel carried rescued persons on stretchers to the nearest road; all 16 people who were trapped in a tunnel near Tapovan in Chamoli were rescued earlier in the day.
There were fears of damage in human settlements downstream, including in heavily populated areas.
A 13.2 MW small hydro project on the Rishi Ganga was swept away in the glacier burst but there was no danger of floods in downstream areas as the water level had been contained. The flood also affected the downstream hydro project of NTPC at Tapovan on the river Dhauli Ganga.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about the tragedy and said payers of India are with people of Uttarakhand
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 7, 2021
Further, PM Narendra 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, Uttarakhand. Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
“I pray for the safety of all & request Congress workers & volunteers to help the people & the authorities in their relief & rescue efforts. The Indian National Congress stands with the people of Uttarakhand in this hour of tragedy and crisis” Said Sonia Gandhi, Interim Congress president.
