Relief & rescue work underway in full swing in flood-hit areas of Uttarakhand

Rescue and relief operations are in full progress in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand where a glacier burst, led to massive flood and caused large-scale devastation. The glacier burst triggered massive flooding of Dhauliganga river near Rishiganga Power Project at Raini village in Tapovan area of the district yesterday.

Eight bodies have been recovered so far from disaster-hit Raini, Biraji, Alakapuri and Chchinaka villages of Chamoli district. The State Disaster Management Authority in Dehradun said, 25 people have been rescued so far whereas 152 people are reported to be still missing. They are mostly workers of hydro power projects.

13.2 MW Rishiganga hydropower project near Joshimath has washed away while the 520 MW NTPC hydro project on the Dhauliganga River was partially damaged and at least five bridges were impacted by the surge of water that was unleashed, cutting access to few villages in the area.

Teams of NDRF, SDRF, SSB, ITBP, and Defense personnel are actively participating in the rescue operations. Medical teams and ambulances are at the spot for providing any required medical assistance. The Indian Air Force has also deployed its Choppers for rescue operations. Two Army Helicopters are also kept on standby.

The State Disaster Response Force, SDRF has deployed its teams in Joshimath while the National Disaster Response Force NDRF has moved its teams from Haridwar to the affected areas.

The Indian Air Force has also deployed its Choppers for rescue operations. Indo Tibetan Border Police Force spokesperson Vivek Pandey said that over 200 Javans are working in collaboration with local administration. Four Army columns, two Medical teams, and one Engineering Task Force have been deployed in the Tapovan area. Army helicopters are conducting aerial surveys.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat took stock of the situation after reaching near Raini village in Tapovan. Talking to reporters, Mr. Rawat said that the water level has receded and the Center is in constant touch with him and has assured all possible help in rescue operations.

The state government has issued helpline numbers for people stranded in affected areas. The numbers are- Disaster Operations Center number 1070 or 9557444486 .