LUCKNOW, India (CU)_At least 14 people are dead and 150 missing, after a part of a Himalayan glacier broke away, setting off a torrent of water which triggered a huge flood in northern India.
Most of those missing are believed to be workers from two hydro power plants in the area, which were damaged by incident on Sunday (Feb 7), and hundreds of military personnel have been deployed to help with the rescue efforts.
Experts are investigating the incident to identify what might have caused the glacial burst. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet on Monday, that he has been continuously speaking to authorities and keeping a close watch on the deployment, rescue work and relief operations.
“India stands with Uttarakhand and the nation prays for everyone’s safety there,” he said.
According to Uttarakhand police, an avalanche struck at about 11:00 local time on Sunday, destroying a small hydroelectric project called Rishiganga, while the impact also catapulted water along the Dhauli Ganga river, damaging a larger power project further downstream.
Emergency workers earlier evacuated dozens of villagers, while they also managed to rescue 16 workers who had been trapped inside a tunnel that had been filled with debris.
However, around 35 to 40 others are believed to be trapped in a second tunnel, while emergency crews are in the process of clearing the mouth of the tunnel with heavy equipment.
Meanwhile, leaders from across the world, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have sent their condolences to families of the victims.
“My thoughts are with the people of India and rescue workers in Uttarakhand as they respond to devastating flooding from the glacier collapse. The UK stands in solidarity with India and is ready to offer any support needed,” PM Johnson said in a tweet.
Uttarakhand, in the western Himalayas, is prone to flash floods and landslides, with around 6,000 people believed to have been killed in June 2013, in the floods which were triggered by the heaviest monsoon rains in decades.
