A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on February 7, triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations and trapped more than 100 labourers who are feared dead.
The sudden flood in the middle of the day in the Dhauli Ganga, Rishi Ganga and Alaknanda rivers — all intricately linked tributaries of the Ganga — triggered widespread panic and large-scale devastation in the high mountain areas.
Two power projects — NTPC’s Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project and the Rishi Ganga Hydel Project — were extensively damaged with scores of labourers trapped in tunnels as the waters came rushing in.
At least 12 men were rescued safely from a tunnel in the Tapovan project but at least 125 were still missing. As night fell in the ecologically fragile Himalayas and rescue work in the difficult to access areas became more difficult, there were fears they may be dead.
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. There were fears of damage in human settlements downstream, including in heavily populated areas. Many villages were evacuated and people taken to safer areas.
By evening, it became clear that downstream areas were safe. 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 National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, was informed at an emergency meeting in the national capital.
Here are the live updates:
Efforts underway to rescue 30-35 workers trapped in tunnel
Rescue efforts at present are focussed on extricating 30-35 workers trapped in a tunnel of the Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project on the Dhauliganga river, an official said late Sunday night.
Around 30-35 people including workers and employees of the 480 mw Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project on the Dhauli Ganga river are feared trapped inside one of the tunnels following the avalanche, Project GM RP Ahirwar said.
JCBs and Pokland machines are being used to cut into the debris clogging the tunnel to rescue the trapped workers, he said.
- PTI
Dhauliganga water level rises again
The water level in the Dhauliganga river surged up once again on Sunday night under the impact of the glacial burst during the day, creating panic among people living in the area. The sudden surge in the water level in the Dhauliganga at around 8 pm prompted authorities to suspend rescue operations underway at a project site in the vicinity of the river for the time being.
Swirling waters of the river gurgling downwards are causing fear among people living in the area, he said late Sunday night.
PTI
Pakistan foreign office condoles deaths
"Saddened over loss of precious lives due to flash floods caused by glacier break-off in Uttarakhand. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. We pray for the safety and early rescue and recovery of those missing," the spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a tweet.
Broken dam and rubble along Dhauliganga river valley close to Tapovan, Uttarakhand, February 7, 2021
Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat tweets that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him to know about the Tapovan disaster. This is PM's fourth call to him in the day, says the CM in a tweet.
- Vijaita Singh
Two teams of glaciologists will head to Joshimath-Tapovan to study causes behind flood in Chamoli
Two teams of glaciologists will head to Joshimath-Tapovan on Monday to study the causes of massive flood caused after a part of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, the director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology said.
Kalachand Sain said two teams of glaciologists - one with two members and other with three members - will leave Dehradun on Monday morning.
The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), studies various aspects of the Himalayas, including the glaciers and seismic activities in the region.
- PTI
Rescue work at tunnel comes to an halt due to rise in water level: Uttarakhand DGP
Uttarakhand DGP said the rescue work at the 900-metre long tunnel (Tapovan, NTPC) had to be halted due to rise in water level “We were able to dig 150 metres of the tunnel but after a rise in water level had to halt the work. Most missing persons were working at the two projects, they came from across India. We are expected to get a clear picture on their identities by Monday morning,” Uttarakhand DGP said.
- Vijaita Singh
Deeply shocked: Arjun Munda on Uttarakhand disaster
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda on Sunday said he was deeply shocked over the disaster that struck Uttarkhand after a portion of Nanda Devi glacier broke off, leading to a massive flood.
Speaking to PTI here, Munda said that he is deeply saddened by the natural disaster in Uttarakhand and prays to God to protect everyone.
- PTI
Uttarakhand flood: Green experts point at increased human intervention in Himalayan region
Increasing human intervention in ecologically sensitive Himalayan region is making it more vulnerable to climate change, environment experts said on Sunday as a glacier broke off at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, triggering massive flood in the state.
The glacier burst triggered massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and caused large-scale devastation in the upper reaches of Himalayas.
Over 150 labourers working at a power project in Tapovan-Reni are feared dead, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police spokesperson said while quoting the project-in charge. Three bodies have been recovered so far.
- PTI
As minister, I was against power projects on Ganga, its main tributaries: Uma Bharti
BJP leader Uma Bharti Sunday said the Uttarakhand flood tragedy triggered by a glacier burst is a matter of concern as well as a warning, and added that as a minister she had spoken against having any power project on the Ganga and its major tributaries.
Bharti was the minister of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation during the first term of the Modi government.
In a series of tweets in Hindi, she said the glacier breaking off had damaged a power project, triggering the massive crisis.
- PTI
Sonia Gandhi urges all party workers, volunteers to help people of disaster-hit Uttarakhand
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday urged all party workers and volunteers to help the people hit by a massive glacier break-off in Uttarakhand's Joshimath in the relief and rescue efforts.
In a statement, the Congress chief expressed concern over the news of glacier breaking off in Uttarakhand's 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.
"I pray for the safety of all and request Congress workers and volunteers to help people and authorities in their relief and rescue efforts. The Indian National Congress stands with the people of Uttarakhand in this hour of tragedy and crisis," she said.
- PTI
Around 200MW power supply to national grid cut from major plants due to Avalanche
Around 200 MW of power supply to the national grid was affected due to avalanche in Uttarakhand as local administration shut down two plants, Tehri and Koteshwar, as a precautionary measure.
The hydro power plants in the affected area are mostly under-construction or fall in small hydro project category which are of up to 25MW. These small hydro projects are mainly state owned.
Earlier in the day, a glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district which caused a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and endangered lives of people living along its banks.
- PTI
'Nayi zindagi mili': ITBP rescues workers stuck in flash-flood hit tunnel
Covered in mud, several men were safely pulled out one after the other from a slush-covered tunnel by ITBP personnel in the Tapovan power project area that was swept away by a flash flood triggered by a glacier break in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Sunday.
In a video of the operation shared by the border force, the rescuers can be seen raising slogans of 'dum lagakey haisha' while retrieving a couple of men through the vertical and narrow snout of the tunnel with the help of a rope line.
Those present at the spot motivated the men in action with 'bahut badhiya' and 'shabaash', jo 'bole so nihaal' and 'jai ho' slogans.
- PTI
Dhauli Ganga river's water level at Joshimath breached all records after glacial burst: CWC official
The water level of the Dhauli Ganga river at Joshimath flowed at a perilously high level, breaching all records, Central Water Commission officials said after a part of Nanda Devi glacier broke off in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district leading to massive floods.
The glacial burst triggered an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations and trapped more than 100 labourers who are feared dead. The intensity of the river's flow in a short span of time was such that it engulfed whatever came in its way.
This was a grim reminder of the Kedarnath deluge of 2013 which led to widespread devastation in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region.
- PTI
Seven bodies recovered so far, nearly 100 missing: Uttarakhand DGP
Uttarakhand DGP told The Hindu that seven bodies recovered so far. Nearly 100 missing. The missing persons include two policemen and five villagers.
Members of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) tend to people rescued after a Himalayan glacier broke and swept away a small hydroelectric dam, in Chormi village in Tapovan in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, February 7, 2021
- Vijaita Singh
Project completely washed away, few houses that remain are covered in slush upto 20 feet: ITBP
Members of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) search for survivors after a Himalayan glacier broke and swept away a small hydroelectric dam, in Chormi village in Tapovan in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, February 7, 2021.
Venudhar Nayak, commanding officer of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) who led the rescue operation at Tapovan tunnel, where 12 workers of NTPC’s hydel power plant were rescued after a seven-hour operation, said the project was completely washed away and the few houses that remain are covered in slush upto 20 feet.
Over hundred persons are missing after a flash flood, reportedly caused by the splintering of a glacier, washed away two hydel power projects -Rishiganga small hydro project and NTPC’s hydro project on the banks of river Dhauliganga in North Uttarakhand on Sunday.
Mr. Nayak, whose team of 250 personnel were the first to reach the National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) hydel power project at Tapovan on the banks of Dhauliganga river said it took them seven-hours to unblock the tunnel where 12 persons were struck.
- Vijaita Singh
Experts point to climate change setting off Uttarakhand glacier burst
A deluge following a glacial melt incident in the Himalayas on Sunday flooded the Rishiganga river in Uttarakhand and washed away two hydroelectric power projects .
There were concerns that the excess water would further travel downstream to the river Alaknanda and threaten dwellings as well as hydro projects on the river.
Environmental experts have attributed the Nanda Devi glacial melt to global warming. Glacier retreat and permafrost thaw are projected to decrease the stability of mountain slopes and increase the number and area of glacier lakes, according to the latest assessment reports of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- Jacob Koshy
Glacial burst in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district grim reminder of 2013 Kedarnath deluge
Rescue operations underway near Dhauliganga hydropower project after a glacier broke off in Joshimath causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021
The massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river triggered by a glacial burst in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday came as a grim reminder of the Kedarnath deluge of 2013 which led to widespread devastation in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region.
A devastating natural disaster in the form of torrential rains of unseen magnitude had struck Kedarnath on 16-17 June in 2013.
The banks of the Chorabari lake in Kedarnath collapsed due to a cloudburst that had resulted in a major flash flood causing widespread destruction in Uttarakhand and led to heavy losses to infrastructure, agriculture lands, human and animal lives.
- PTI
Uttarakhand glacier burst: Punjab CM prays for well-being of people
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Sunday expressed concerns at developments in Uttarakhand and prayed for well-being of the people in Chamoli district after a massive glacier burst triggered flash floods there.
A part of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and causing large-scale devastation in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas.
- PTI
₹2 lakh ex-gratia for next of kin of victims, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved an ex-gratia of ₹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. ₹50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
Armed forces move in to provide assistance in Uttarakhand
The armed forces have established a control room at Joshimath and have pressed in men, equipment and helicopters to provide assistance to the civil administration in dealing with the flash floods in Uttarakhand.
At Reni village, the Army has deployed two columns from Joshimath and two columns from Auli while two more columns are on standby, an Army officer said. An engineering task force with two JCBs as well as a medical column with two ambulances have also been deployed. Two Cheetah helicopters from Army aviation have also been pressed in. A column consists of about 100 soldiers.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has pressed in C-130 and AN-32 aircraft to transport National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. “A C-130 airlifted 60 persons of NDRF along with 5 tonne load from Hindon air base to Jolly Grant airport. One more C-130 and one AN-32 are ready at Hindon for additional NDRF teams,” the officer stated.
- Dinakar Peri
ITBP personnel carry injured workers on a stretchers rescued from the Tapovan tunnel, after a glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021
Deeply shocked: Mamata Banerjee on Uttarakhand disaster
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said she was deeply shocked over the disaster that struck Uttarakhand after a glacier broke off, leading to a massive flood.
Over 150 labourers working at a power project in the northern state are feared dead, officials said, adding, many villages were evacuated and people taken to safer areas.
"Deeply shocked and very saddened at the loss of lives in the disaster that took place in Uttarakhand. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Wishing a speedy and full recovery for those injured in the calamity," Ms. Banerjee said on Twitter.
- PTI
Seven bodies recovered in Chamoli disaster, rescue operations ongoing: Uttarakhand Chief Minister
Seven bodies have been recovered so far in the Chamoli disaster, said Uttarakhand Chief Minister T.S. Rawat at a press conference. "Rescue operations are going on. District officials are there at the spot," said Mr. Rawat.
"IAF, Army and Government helicopters are being used to meet the needs of the villagers in the affected area. President, PM and Home Minister telephoned me to express their concern at the incident," he added.
He claimed that Anant Ambani, son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, had also called to extend help to his government.
"We will give four lakh rupees as compensation to the families of the dead. Five local persons are reported to have been swept away in the flash flood. Missing persons are about 125 — this figure could me more also," he informed.
He said the death toll of locals was low as Sunday was a holiday. "Experts will tell us about the cause behind the disaster. The incident may have happened at 9.30 am. We have not assessed the damage caused because we are engaged in rescue operations, says the Chief Minister," he said.
Mr. Rawat went on to thank the media for not spreading rumours about the flash flood.
- Amit Baruah
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inspects flood hit areas, after a glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021
Rishiganga hydro project washed away by glacier burst in Uttarakhand: NCMC
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba met today to review the situation arising out of the natural disaster in Uttarakhand caused by glacial burst, says a government statement.
The glacial burst led to the rising of water levels in the river Rishiganga, which washed away the Rishiganga small hydro project of 13.2 MW. The flash flood also affected the downstream hydro project of NTPC at Tapovan on the river Dhauliganga, which is a tributary of the river Alaknanda, the statement said.
It was further informed that around 12 persons trapped in a tunnel have been rescued by the ITBP; while efforts are on to rescue others trapped in another tunnel, which is being co-ordinated by the Army and ITBP. All out efforts are being made to ensure that all missing people are traced and accounted for, it said.
- Vijaita Singh
12 rescued from open tunnel by ITBP: NDRF
TBP personnel carry out search and rescue operation at Tapovan Tunnel, after a glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021.
12 persons rescued so far by the ITBP from an open tunnel. a senior National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official said. Five NDRF teams, three of which have been air lifted from Hindon in Ghaziabad, are on way to the disaster site and will join rescue ops by late evening.
- Delhi Bureau
Uttarakhand floods: Vice President prays for safety of those affected
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday prayed for the safety of those affected by the flash flood in Uttarakhand after a glacier broke off at Joshimath.
A part of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river causing large-scale devastation.
More than 150 labourers working in a power project are missing, officials said.
Homes along the way were swept away as the waters rushed down the mountainsides in a raging torrent. There were fears of damage in human settlements downstream. Many villages were evacuated and people taken to safer areas.
- PTI
Uttar Pradesh Opposition leaders urge Centre to assist neighbouring Uttarakhand as glacier burst sets off flash floods
Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday termed the disaster caused due to flash floods triggered by a massive glacial burst in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district extremely sad, and urged the Centre to extend all possible help to the state.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati said the loss of lives was extremely saddening.
"The loss of lives in the lower areas caused after an avalanche in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is extremely saddening. The Centre should ensure every type of help to the state government to tackle the disaster. This is the demand of the BSP," she said in a tweet in Hindi.
- PTI
Avalanche damages Tapovan hydro project: NTPC
State-run power giant NTPC on Sunday said that an avalanche near Tapovan in Uttarakhand has damaged its under-construction hydropower project.
Earlier in the day, a glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district which caused a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and endangered lives of people living along its banks.
It is reported that massive destruction is feared.
Later in the day, NTPC tweeted, "An avalanche near Tapovan in Uttarakhand has damaged a part of our under-construction hydropower project in the region.
- PTI
Deeply worried about glacier burst in Uttarakhand, praying for people's safety: President Ram Nath Kovind
President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday said he was deeply worried about the massive glacier burst at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district and prayed for the wellbeing and safety of people.
In a tweet, Mr. Kovind also said he was confident that rescue and relief operations on ground are progressing well.
"Deeply worried about the glacier burst near Joshimath, Uttarakhand, that caused destruction in the region. Praying for wellbeing and safety of people. Am confident that rescue and relief operations on ground are progressing well," he tweeted.
- PTI
Glacier burst: IMD says no adverse weather over affected areas on Feb 7, 8
The MeT department Sunday said no adverse weather events are expected over Chamoli, Tapovan and Joshimath in Uttarakhand on February 7 and 8, in a relief for the area hit by a major glacier burst.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) Additional Director General Anand Sharma said Chamoli, Tapovan and Joshimath are likely to witness dry weather during the two days.
"No snowfall/rainfall is likely on February 7-8," the IMD said in its special weather advisory for the state.
However, light rainfall/snowfall is likely in the northern parts of the Chamoli district on February 9-10, the advisory added.
- PTI
My condolences are with the people of Uttarakhand: Rahul Gandhi
"The flood tragedy is very tragic due to the glacier bursting in Chamoli. My condolences are with the people of Uttarakhand,"tweeted Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. "The state government should provide immediate assistance to all the victims. Congress colleagues also join hands in relief work," he added.
In constant touch with Uttarakhand CM, officials of NDRF: Narendra Modi
"We are at one bank of river Ganga, but the State which is the origin of the river is facing a natural disaster. A part of glacier has fallen in the river and the river water has risen at various places," said Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi while visiting Haldia to inagurate projects worth nearly ₹5000 crore on Sunday. "I am in constant touch with Uttarakhand CM, Union Home Minister and the officials of NDRF. People are being evacuated and taken to safe places. We are all praying for the safety of people of Uttarakhand," he added.
- Shiv Sahay Singh
Major natural disasters of Uttarakhand
These are the major natural disasters that Uttarakhand has faced over the last three decades:
1991 Uttarkashi Earthquake: An earthquake of 6.8 magnitude hit the undivided state of Uttar Pradesh in October 1991 in which at least 768 people were killed and thousands of homes destroyed.
1998 Malpa Landslide: The small village of Malpa in Pithoragarh district was wiped in the landslide in which about 255 people, including 55 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, were killed. The resulting debris partially blocked the Sharda river.
1999 Chamoli earthquake: An earthquake of 6.8 magnitude hit Chamoli district killing over 100 people. The adjoining Rudraprayag district was also heavily affected. Several ground deformations were reported as a result of the earthquake, and landslides and changes in water flow were also recorded. Cracks were observed in roads and on the ground.
2013 North India Floods: In June 2013, a multi-day cloudburst centered on Uttarakhand caused devastating floods and landslides. According to the state government, more than 5,700 people were presumed dead in the disaster. As bridges and roads were destroyed more than 3 lakh people were trapped in the valleys leading to the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
- PTI
Bollywood celebs wish for people's safety after massive flood in Uttarakhand
Film personalities, including CBFC chairperson-writer Prasoon Joshi, actors Dia Mirza, Shraddha Kapoor, and filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor on Sunday sent out prayers for the safety of people of Uttarakhand as a glacier broke off at Joshimath in Chamoli district, leading to a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river.
The flood caused large-scale devastation in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas, with 50-100 labourers working at the Rishi Ganga power project missing.
Shraddha Kapoor took to Twitter and wrote, "Distressing to hear about the glacier breaking off in #Uttarakhand. Praying everyone's safety there." Mirza, who is vocal about environmental issues, said man-made constructions in the Himalayas contributed to the tragedy.
- PTI
Uttarakhand floods: Kejriwal says ready to extend all help
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said his government is ready to extend every possible help to people of Uttarakhand where a glacier broke off at Joshimath in Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to a massive flood.
"The news about the disaster in Chamoli is really worrisome. I pray for everybody's safety. The Delhi government is ready to send every possible help to people of Uttarakhand in this difficult time," he tweeted in Hindi.
A glacier broke off at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and causing large-scale devastation in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas.
- PTI
Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that he has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and assured him of all assistance.
He said the Ministry is keeping an eye on all the possible developments.
“A glacier has broken off in Uttarakhand & breach of a barrage has been reported. I have spoken to the CM Sh. Trivendra Singh Rawat ji and assured him of all assistance. We are keeping an eye on all possible developments. Praying for everyone's safety!,” Shekhawat tweeted.
- PTI
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar spoke to the Uttarakhand CM about the tragic incident and said Bihar government officials were in touch with officials of Uttarakhand CM. Mr. Kumar also said the whole of Bihar was with the people of Uttarakhand at this difficult time.
- Amarnath Tewary
"People living along river banks are being evacuated. As a precaution, the flow of the Bhagirathi River has been stopped. To stop the flow of the Alaknanda River, the GVK dam in Shrinagar and the Virbhadra dam in Rishikesh have been emptied out," says Uttarakhand Police in a tweet.
- Amit Baruah
Three bodies have been recovered so far, according to the ITBP.
- Vijaita Singh
Sixteen persons stuck at the Tapovan dam site in Chamoli district have been rescued by the Uttarakhand police, DGP of the State Ashok Kumar says in a tweet. Claims that the flow of water in Shrinagar (Garhwal) is now normal.
- Amit Baruah
Uttarakhand CM tweets:
"A disaster was reported at Raini village at around 1045 am, affecting two dam sites in Chamoli. Immediate instructions were issued to take stock of the situation and take emergency measures. Simultaneously, state’s disaster response mechanism was activated."
"A disaster was reported at Raini village at around 1045 am, affecting two dam sites in Chamoli. Immediate instructions were issued to take stock of the situation and take emergency measures. Simultaneously, state’s disaster response mechanism was activated."
"State Chief Secretary, disaster management department and my own team is at the control centre and monitoring the situation on real time basis and they have been instructed to take all appropriate actions necessary to deal with the emerging situation."
"Currently no additional water flows are being reported & there is no flood situation anywhere. Water from the affected site has reached beyond Nandprayag and river was flowing 1 meter above normal levels. No loss has been reported from villages along Alaknanda. "
"Anyone requiring help can contact following emergency numbers - 1070, 1905 and 9557444486. I thank state’s population in the affected regions for their cooperation and request everyone to maintain calm & not share unverified information on various platforms."
"Police, SDRF, Army & ITBP teams are already doing their best to save lives of the workers at both the construction sites, affected by the disaster. Two bodies have already been recovered & we are doing our best to lessen the damage caused by the disaster."
"We are getting all help from centre Govt to deal with situation caused by the disaster. Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji is personally monitoring the situation & have promised all help. Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji have sent emergency NDRF teams to affected site."
To provide assistance in the flash floods in Uttarakhand, four Army columns of about 400 soldiers, two medical teams, one engineering task force have been deployed at Reni village. Army helicopters are also carrying aerial reconnaissance.
A defence official said, C-130 and AN-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) are being used to airlift NDRF personnel from Ghaziabad to Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun.
- Dinakar Peri
An eyewitness said he saw a wall of dust, rock and water as an avalanche roared down a river valley.
"It came very fast, there was no time to alert anyone," Sanjay Singh Rana, who lives on the upper reaches of Raini village, told Reuters by phone. "I felt that even we would be swept away."
Footage shared by locals showed the water washing away parts of the dam as well as whatever else was in its path.
- Reuters
"People are requested not to panic. Help reach your people to safe destination," says Uttarakhand Police in a tweet quoting DGP Ashok Kumar.
- Vijaita Singh
A tweet from the Prime Minister's Office said Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation in Uttarakhand. "He took stock of the rescue and relief works that were going on."
- Amit Baruah
Uttarakhand Chief Minister T.S. Rawat tweeted that the flow of the Alaknanda River ahead of Nandaprayag had stabilised. “The River is flowing one metre above the danger level but the flow is reducing,” he said.
- Amit Baruah
MHA is monitoring the situation, a spokesperson said.
- Vijaita Singh
One NDRF team from Dehradun, one from Ghaziabad sent for rescue operations, three more teams being air lifted from Ghaziabad.
Home Minister Amit Shah tweets that he spoke to the CM of Uttarakhand and the DGPs of ITBP and NDRF. All teams working on a war-footing. NDRF teams also rushed for rescue work.
- Vijaita Singh
Uttarakhand police tweeted: "Flood advisory- Water level at Srinagar [in Uttarakhand] may rise to 536.00 m at 16:00 hrs. At Rishikesh the water Level may rise to 340.50 m at 20:00 hrs and Haridwar the Water Level May Reach 294.00 m at 21:00 hrs. (The Danger level will cross at Srinagar, Rishikesh and Haridwar)"
- Amit Baruah
Uttarakhand CM announces helpline numbers - 1070 and 9557444486 - for those affected , repeats not to spread panic through old videos.
- Vijaita Singh
DGP, Uttarakhand, Ashok Kumar told The Hindu that 50-100 are missing. Those reported missing were working at the hydel power site.
- Vijaita Singh
Chamoli police (in Uttarakhand) tweets that people in the Tapovan-Reni area have been informed that on account of a glacier breaking off the Rishiganga hydel power project has been damaged. On account of this, the level of the river is rising on account of which people living along the Alaknanda river are advised to move to safer areas.
- Amit Baruah
ITBP said casualties feared as massive flood in Dhauli Ganga, Joshimath seen near Reni village, 26 km from Joshimath, where a water body flooded and destroyed many houses along the river bank due to some cloudburst or breaching of reservoir at around 10 a.m. Hundreds of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) men rushed for rescue, said the ITBP spokesperson.
Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat has tweeted that he is on way to the flood site and requests people not to spread panic by sharing old videos.
- Vijaita Singh
Orders have been issued to the districts on the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh to be put on high alert after reports of the breaking of a part of Nandadevi Glacier in neighbouring Uttarakhand, a senior official said on Sunday. If required, people need to be evacuated and taken to safe places, the District Magistrates were instructed.
Navneet Sehgal, U.P. Additional Chief Secretary, Information, said that a disaster alert had been sent to all DMs.
"The districts on the Ganga River need to be on high alert and continuous monitoring of water level need to be done 24x7," Mr. Sehgal said quoting the State Relief Commisioner.
The NDRF, SDRF and PAC Flood Company are being given instructions to be on highest alert, the Relief Commisioner said.
- Omar Rashid
