Uttarakhand floods highlights: CM Trivendra Singh Rawat holds meeting with ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, Uttarakhand Police on rescue operations

Fourteen people were confirmed dead on Monday after the Nandadevi glacier broke in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on February 7, washing away houses near the Dhauliganga river, officials said. Over 150 people are feared dead in the state after the massive flash flood triggered by a glacial outburst devastated part of the state, with raging floodwaters even washing away two hydropower stations. Hundreds of Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel have been deployed for rescue operations. Water sports and activities have been stopped in Rishikesh and Haridwar is on flood alert. Stay tuned on DH for latest updates.

Uttarakhand glacier burst: How a phone call saved their lives, recount survivors

They had lost hope of survival when one of them found his mobile phone network working, helping them contact the authorities who rescued them from an underground tunnel at Tapovan in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli where flash floods wreaked havoc following a glacier burst.

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CM Trivendra Singh Rawat holds meeting with ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, Uttarakhand Police & other agencies in Joshimath on rescue efforts in Tapovan

Rescue operations underway at Tapovan Tunnel, after a glacier broke off in Joshimath causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand

Abrupt snowslide, not glacier burst, might have caused the calamity: Rawat says quoting scientists

UttarakhandChief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat Monday quoted scientists to say that the areas where avalanches struck on Sunday was not prone to such activities, and the calamity might have been caused by an "abrupt sliding down" of millions of tonnes of snow from a hill, rather than due to a glacier burst.

He also appealed to people to not make the tragedy an occasion for building an "anti-development narrative", as he left for the flood-hit areas of Chamoli for an on-the-spot assessment of relief and rescue operations.

However, according to Uttarakhand Disaster Management Centre, 197 people are missing

26 bodies recovered, 171 people still missing, says Uttarakhand DGP

Till 8 pm of 8th February, 26 bodies have been recovered. 171 people still remain missing out of which around 35 are supposed to be in the Tunnel where rescue operation is still going on: Ashok Kumar, DGP, Uttarakhand

So far, bodies of 24 people have been recovered from different places, say Uttarakhand Police

Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Rawat visits the damaged Tapovan hydel project and nearby areas to take stock of situation. Credit: PTI Photo

Govt is taking all measures to help Uttarakhand: PM Modi to state MPs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that his government is taking all measures to support the people of Uttarakhand, parts of which were hit by floods following a glacier burst on Sunday, and assured a delegation of state MPs that it is working to further strengthen infrastructure there to deal with any natural disaster in future.

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Uttarakhand floods: ISRO, DRDO helping to ascertain exact cause; relief work immediate priority. says CM Rawat

As multi-agency relief operations continue in Chamoli and adjoining areas of Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat Monday said a comprehensive analysis of the entire incident is being carried out to avert future tragedies and asserted the immediate priority was to provide food and other assistance to the affected people.

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A joint team of ITBP, Army, SDRF, and NDRF inside the Tapovan tunnel in Chamoli for rescue operation.

Climate change, Western disturbance, or both? Scientists ponder reasons for Uttarakhand floods

Global warming or maybe a Western disturbance bringing fresh snow that melted could have triggered the inundation in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, experts said on Monday as they scrambled to understand the reasons for the avalanche and floods that wreaked havoc in the upper reaches of the Himalayas.

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Machines are now clearing the heavy slush inside the tunnel in Chamoli; recce party was not able to move beyond 100 metres inside the tunnel due to the slush.

Uttarakhand CM being briefed by MS Rawat, ADG Western Command ITBP, on the rescue operations being carried out at Tapovan tunnel, Joshimath.

Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat arrives at Joshimath, to review relief and rescue operations following glacier burst.

Uttarakhand glacier disaster survivor recounts escape from Himalayan tunnel

A whistle turned into a roar of water that trapped a dozen men in a Himalayan tunnel after a glacier burst in northern India, but Rajesh Kumar lived to tell the tale.

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Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat conducts review meeting on disaster relief operation following glacier burst in Chamoli; releases Rs 20 crore from State Disaster Response Fund for relief and rescue operation, says Uttarakhand CMO.

Uttarakhand Glacier burst: How a phone call saved their lives, recount survivors

They had lost hope of survival when one of them found his mobile phone network working, helping them contact the authorities who rescued them from an underground tunnel at Tapovan in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli where flash floods wreaked havoc following a glacier burst.

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Mindless rampage on Himalayas in name of development must stop: Chipko movement leader

The glacial burst near Chamoli district's Raini village, the cradle of the Chipko movement, should serve as a wake-up call to stop the rampage on the Himalayan ecological system in the name of development, said Magsaysay awardee Chandi Prasad Bhatt on Monday.

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Members of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) during a rescue operation. Credit: AFP Photo

Uttarakhand floods rescue operations under way: 10 key things to know

As many as 14 people were killed and over 200 people were still missing in massive flooding in the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga riversthat followed after what is seen as glacier burst in Joshimath of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. The deluge damaged five bridges, several homes,an NTPC power plantand a small hydropower project inRishiganga. National and state disaster relief forces have been deployed among ITBP forces, Army and Navy teams for rescue operations.

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A joint team of ITBP, Army, SDRF and NDRF has entered the Tapovan tunnel in Chamoli for recce: ITBP.

Prima facie it looks that a hanging glacier broke away from the main glacier and came down in the narrow valley: Dr L K Sinha, DRDO

Our team did an aerial survey of the glacier where incident took place in Chamoli. Prima facie it looks that a hanging glacier broke away from the main glacier and came down in the narrow valley, Dr LK Sinha, Director, Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment, DRDO told news agency ANI.

In the valley it formed a lake which burst later and caused the damage. The data is being analysed by our scientists in detail and if required, they would again go to get more details, Dr LK Sinha told the news agency.

Dropping of food supply underway in Lata and Raini villages. We are helping to take it further from there. Teams of the Indian Army, NDRF, ITBP, and state police are working in collaboration here: Manoj Rawat, ADG ITBP in Joshimath.

After bridge collapsed in Raini village during glacier burst, around 13 villages have been cut off near areas such as Malari and Ghansali. There is heavy deployment of ITBP there near the India-China border. We have alerted them: Manoj Rawat, ADG ITBP in Joshimath, Uttarakhand.

19 dead, 202 missing after Uttarakhand glacier disaster

Nineteen people were confirmed dead on Monday after the Nandadevi glacier broke in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on February 7, washing away houses near the Dhauliganga river, officials said.

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The second wave of Mi-17 & Chinook helicopters has been launched from Dehradun for Joshimath with rescue and relief teams on board. IAF Task Force Commander is coordinating with state authorities for ongoing HADR (Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief) efforts, says Indian Air Force.

Around 34 people are trapped inside the tunnel. We've been able to access up to about 70 metres inside the tunnel, we've to further move for about 180 metres: Union Minister R K Singh

Communication has not been established yet, he added.

ANI

R K Singh, Minister of State (IC) Power and New & Renewable Energy, MoS in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, visits the Tapovan tunnel where ITBP jawans are carrying out search and rescue operations.

The workers who are missing are most probably from eastern UP and Bihar. I have been contacted in this regard that 30 of these people (missing) are from Lakhimpur Kheri (UP): Ashok Kumar, DGP | ANI

ITBP deploys sniffer dogs at the Tapovan tunnel for rescue operations.

Union Minister RK Singh reaches Joshimath to take stock of the situation in the wake of the flash floods that hit Chamoli yesterday. The rescue operation is underway.

Deeply appreciate the solidarity expressed by my colleagues around the world on the tragic loss of lives caused by a glacier breach in Chamoli, Uttarakhand yesterday. Value your support in this difficult time: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar

(ANI)

Rescue operations underway at Tapovan Tunnel, after a glacier broke off in Joshimath causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Monday, February 8, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Post this devastation we'll again constitute a committee as it's too early to predict regarding the cause of incident. Prima facie, it's glacial calving at highest altitude in Rishiganga & Dhauliganga area & upper reaches of that, saidDG, Geological Survey of India.

He added, "One of our officers is already in Dehradun. We're also planning to constitute a team of experts who will visit the site & undertake a physical recce & use the data that is available through satellite imageries. We'll do an assessment."

(ANI)

Uttarakhand floods rescue operations under way: 10 key things to know

As many as 14 people were killed and over 200 people were still missing in massive flooding in the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers that followed after what is seen as glacier burst in Joshimath of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district.

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Many IAF movements took place including 2 Hercules, 2 An-32 & 4 helicopters since yesterday. Movement of NDRF teams & their equipment also took place. Since morning, 3 Mi-17, 1 Chinook & 1 ALH moved. 9 outgoing & 6 incoming movements till now: Dehradun Airport Director

(ANI)

Rescue operations underway near Tapovan Tunnel, after a glacier broke off in Joshimath causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Monday, February 8, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Starting from 6:45 am today, 6 Mi 17 sorties, 1 ALH sortie and 1 Chinook sortie have been carried out. Transportation of required load from Dehradun to Joshimath, including 122 personnel, around 5T of load and 6 rescue canines, has been completed.

An ALH was tasked for the reconnaissance of the affected area by 6 scientists of DRDO along with their specialised equipment. Further requirements are being coordinated with relevant authorities: Indian Air Force

(ANI)

Operation to rescue 34 people trapped in Uttarakhand's Tapovan tunnel underway

A multi-agency operation to rescue an estimated 34 people trapped inside a big tunnel at Tapovan was carried out overnight after a glacier burst-triggered deluge killed 10 people in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district while over 140 are missing, officials said on Monday.

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There is accessibility issue because it's a tough terrain. By road, only two teams could manage to reach Joshimath, the remaining teams were airlifted. It's difficult to predict how long, but rescue operation can possibly take 24-48 hours: NDRF DG SN Pradhan

(ANI)

Rescue operation underway in 2.5 km long tunnel. Problem lies with debris which is gradually being cleared. 27 people alive, 11 dead, 153 missing. Out of 153, 40-50 are stuck in tunnel: NDRF

School children pray for the victims, who died in Nanda Devi glacier burst, in Jammu, Monday, February 8, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Scientists leave for Uttarakhand for reconnaissance after glacier burst

A team of scientists, flown to Dehradun after the glacier burst in Uttarakhand, left for Joshimath area on Monday for surveillance and reconnaissance.

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We were informed that 178 people were issued passes here. Of which, 15 were rescued yesterday. Rescue operation underway in another tunnel. There's a possibility that 35 people are stranded in it. Priority is to rescue them as soon as possible: Neeru Garg, DIG Garhwal range

(ANI)

Around 203 people are missing including 11 dead bodies recovered as of now: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat

Rishiganga project at Raini completely washed away. 5 kms from there is under construction Tapovan project. There was a subsidiary company at Tapovan with 24-25 people, no information on them till yesterday, the Chief Minister said.

(ANI)

Team of SDRF-Uttarakhand Police carries out search operation around Srinagar Dam.

15 rescued, 14 found dead at tunnel near Tapovan Dam in Chamoli

Fourteen people were confirmed dead on Monday after the Nandadevi glacier broke in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on February 7, washing away houses near the Dhauliganga river, officials said.

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ITBP personnel carry rescued people on stretchers

ITBP personnel carried rescued people on stretchers who were trapped in the tunnel near Tapovan dam in Chamoli. A glacier burst took place in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on February 7.

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IAF PRO Wing Commander shares action plan for rescue operation

After tireless efforts of Army personnel, including Engineering Task Force, the mouth of the tunnel was cleared. Work continued throughout the night with earthmovers by installing generators and search lights. Field Hospital providing medical aid at the incident site: Indian Army

(ANI)

More than 150 labourers working in a power project are missing. Credit: PTI Photo

Rescue operations underway near Tapovan Tunnel, after a glacier broke off in Joshimath causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Monday, February 8, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

The bigger tunnel has been cleared till 70-80 m. Debris blocked it, it is being cleared with the help of JCB. It is around 180 m long & around 30-40 workers are trapped since yesterday. Efforts are underway to rescue them: Aparna Kumar, DIG Sector HQ, ITBP Dehradun

(ANI)

SDRF chief leaves for rescue operation in Chamoli

80-100 meters depth achieved (cleared off debris). Tunnel is on upslope and 2.5 kms long. The second tunnel is being searched out: ITBP

Work in progress inside the tunnel by Indian Army troops through the night. Credit: Indian Army.

A team of Scientists of DRDO-SASE flown in last night to Dehradun, is leaving for Joshimath area for surveillance and reconnaissance.

The entire House is concerned about what has happened in Uttarakhand. It is a sad day. I spoke to CM in the morning, all efforts are on, no certainty about casualties, the tunnel is very long and ITBP forces are present among other agencies. Home Ministry is involved and the PM himself is reviewing the situation: Naidu

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Chamoli: ITBP rescue team at Tapovan Tunnel, after a glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river. Credit: PTI Photo

Rescue operation continues on the second day at Joshimath in Chamoli where a flash flood, triggered due to glacier burst, occurred yesterday. 12 people were rescued from one tunnel yesterday. The second tunnel is being cleared with the help of JCB machines to rescue people

Out of these, 10 bodies have been recovered so far -- 3 from Tapovan and 7 in the route to Karnprayag. 12 people rescued from the smaller tunnel in Tapovan yesterday: Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar

Efforts are underway to open the bigger tunnel. Debris is being removed from it, he added.

(ANI)

32 people from first and 121 people are missing from the 2nd project: Uttarakhand DGP

No need to spread panic. The glacier burst yesterday, boulders and debris followed which washed away the Raini power project causing a massive impact on Tapovan. All of this happened yesterday, he added.

Aerial rescue & relief missions have resumed with Mi-17 & ALH helicopters flying from Dehradun to Joshimath with disaster relief teams on board: Indian Air Force

A total of 15 people have been rescued and 14 bodies have been recovered from different places so far: Chamoli Police, Uttarakhand

ITBP rescued 12 people from a tunnel yesterday, these 30 are trapped in a different tunnel. Rescue operation is underway in different areas. More teams will be sent there if it is required, we are focussing on rescuing people from the tunnel first: Vivek Pandey, ITBP Spokesperson

(ANI)

We've intensified search operation at the 2nd tunnel. We've information that around 30 people are trapped there. Around 300 ITBP jawans are deployed to clear the tunnel. Local administration says that around 170 people are missing: Vivek Pandey, ITBP Spokesperson

(ANI)

SDRF begins their rescue operation at the tunnel near Tapovan Dam in Chamoli.

Canine squad also deployed to carry out the search operation near Tapovan dam in Chamoli. A flash flood hit the area yesterday.

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. Credit: Reuters Photo

The United Nations stands ready to contribute to ongoing rescue and assistance efforts if necessary: Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General

(ANI)

UN Secretary-General expresses "deep condolences to families of victims"

Secretary-General is deeply saddened by reported loss of life & dozens missing following the glacier burst & subsequent flooding in Uttarakhand. He expresses his deep condolences to families of victims and to people and Government of India: Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General

(ANI)

SDRF removes the debris and slush at the tunnel near Tapovan dam in Chamoli to carry out the further rescue operation. 8 bodies have been recovered in the rescue operation so far.

(ANI)

Uttarakhand floods down to increased 'human intervention' in Himalayan region, green experts say

Even though it may take time to find out the exact cause behind the disaster, the massive flood possibly caused by the glacial outburst in Uttarakhand once again puts the spotlight on the ecological fragility of the hill state, which faces multiple climate change threats on one hand while battling the consequences of large scale development work on the other.

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Flash flood after a glacier broke off in Joshimath causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Sunday, February 7, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

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.

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Uttarakhand floods down to increased 'human intervention' in Himalayan region, green experts say

Even though it may take time to find out the exact cause behind the disaster, the massive flood possibly caused by the glacial outburst in Uttarakhand once again puts the spotlight on the ecological fragility of the hill state, which faces multiple climate change threats on one hand while battling the consequences of large scale development work on the other.

Read More

Over 125 feared dead in Uttarakhand glacier outburst

Nearly 125 people were feared dead in Uttarakhand after a massive flash flood triggered by a glacial outburst devastated part of the state on Sunday, with raging floodwaters even washing away two hydropower stations.

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