Uttarakhand Floods: In a tragic event, Nandadevi glacier breaks in Chamoli’s Joshimath, triggers flash flood in damaging Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district in the hilly region of Uttarakhand, many lives feared lost.
Hundreds of laborers working on a power project in the area are feared to have been caught up in the flash floods, according to Ashok Kumar, Director General of Police. Police and National Disaster Response Force are at the site. It is suspected that the floods may also hit Srinagar, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
A chilling video shows part of the event.
Players For #Uttarakhand
Scary Visuals From Uttarakhand … Hoping For Everyone's Safety #Chamoli , #Uttarakhand_Disaster pic.twitter.com/XpyEyCKuRH
— MoinKhan (@SRKsMoin) February 7, 2021
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Om Prakash says, “Casualties are feared to be between 100 to 150. Teams of ITBP, SDRF and NDRF have already reached the spot. A red alert has been issued”.
Four army columns, two medical teams, and one engineering task force have been deployed at Reni village in the Tapovan area of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Army helicopters are on aerial recce.
“Indian Army has deployed choppers and troops for supporting Uttarakhand government and NDRF to tackle the flood. Military station near Rishikesh actively involved in the coordination of rescue and relief operations with local administration. Army headquarters monitoring the situation,” the Army said.
The Indian Air Force has said that three choppers — two Mi-17 and one ALH Dhruv chopper — have been deployed for rescue operations in flood-affected areas.
More aircraft will be deployed as per the requirement on ground, the IAF said.
PM Modi has reviewed the situation in Uttarakhand and has directed the officials to provide assistance to those in need.
“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,” he says.
Chamoli district magistrate has instructed officials to evacuate people living in villages on the bank of the Dhauliganga river.
The President of India said
Deeply worried about the glacier burst near Joshimath, Uttarakhand, that caused destruction in the region. Praying for well being and safety of people. Am confident that rescue and relief operations on ground are progressing well.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 7, 2021
ANI News reports
#WATCH | Water level in Dhauliganga river rises suddenly following avalanche near a power project at Raini village in Tapovan area of Chamoli district. #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/syiokujhns
— ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2021
“People are being evacuated from the areas near Alaknanda. As a precautionary measure, the flow of Bhagirathi River has been stopped. To prevent the flow of water from Alaknanda, Srinagar Dam and Rishikesh Dam have been emptied. SDRF is on alert. I am leaving for the spot,” Rawat was quoted by news agency ANI as saying.
Rawat also shared a contact number — 1070 or 9557444486 — on his Twitter timeline for any to reach out if help needed.
Meanwhile, the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has issued an alert to all district magistrates, asking them to continuously monitor the water level of river Ganga.
“If required, people need to be evacuated and taken to a safe place. NDRF, SDRF, and PAC Flood Company are been given instructions to be on highest alert,” the UP government said.
Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP urged the Congress party workers to provide all assistance. He also commented on Facebook, “I’m shocked to hear about the devastating landslide in Uttarakhand and the resulting loss of life. The next hours are crucial to ensure those in low-lying areas downstream are moved to safety. I request all our Congress party workers and leaders in the area to provide all possible assistance to those in need.”
चमोली में ग्लेशियर फटने से बाढ़ त्रासदी बेहद दुखद है। मेरी संवेदनाएँ उत्तराखंड की जनता के साथ हैं।
राज्य सरकार सभी पीड़ितों को तुरंत सहायता दें। कांग्रेस साथी भी राहत कार्य में हाथ बटाएँ।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 7, 2021