Over 150 people in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district are feared to be dead following flash floods that resulted due to bursting of the Nanda Devi glacier.

Besides the 150 persons who are feared to be dead, several others are also reported to be missing.

A part of the Nanda Devi glacier burst at Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Sunday.

The bursting of the glacier resulted in devastating flash floods.

The glacier burst led to massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga River, causing large-scale devastation.

Over 150 labourers working at a power project in Tapovan-Reni are feared dead.

Meanwhile, a multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway to trace the missing persons.

The rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the NDRF, ITBP, SDRF and Army.

On the other hand, the Air Force has also been alerted and put on standby.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is also assisting in the rescue and relief operations.

The ITBP has informed that thus far 9-10 bodies have been recovered.

The ITBP said that the flash flood was reported at 10:45am on Sunday in the Righi Ganga River after a glacier broke.

“It exponentially increased the volume of water. Due to this, the Rishiganga hydro project near Raini village was completely devastated,” the ITBP informed.

“The BRO bridge on Joshimath-Malari highway was also completely washed away. There were six graziers with their livestock and they were also taken away by flash flood,” the ITBP further informed.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has also joined the rescue and relief operations.

A total of six columns (around 600 personnel) of the Army are moving towards the flood-affected areas.

“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 are monitoring the situation,” the Indian Army informed.

Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind while expressing concern said that he is praying for the well-being and safety of people.

President Ram Nath Kovind 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.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he is constantly monitoring the situation in Uttarakhand.

PM Modi said, “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.”\

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “We are committed to help our people in need.”

On the other hand, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has also requested all Congress workers and volunteers to help Uttarakhand’s people and authorities in their relief and rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivender Singh Rawat has assured of all possible help for the people stranded in affected areas.

Uttarakhand CM Trivender Singh Rawat has also urged the people not to spread rumours about the situation and also asked them to contact the helpline numbers for emergency.

He also assured that all necessary steps have been taken to handle the situation.

Uttarakhand CM Trivender Singh Rawat said, “I had cancelled all my programs & have reached the affected area for 1st hand assessment of situation. Chamoli district administration is being helped at all levels of the government. There is no cause for panic as of now & I appeal everyone to not believe rumours.”