A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier in Tapovan area of Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district broke on Sunday morning and has damaged the Rishiganga Dam on the Alaknanda River. State Disaster Response Force DIG Riddhim Agarwal said that more than 150 laborers working on the Rishiganga Power Project are likely to be directly affected by it. He said that the representatives of the power project told him that they have not been able to contact about 150 personnel at the site of the project.
Chief Minister talked to Home Minister
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said that he has spoken to the Union Home Ministry and he will talk to the Home Minister soon. He has assured all possible help. Rawat has also spoken to officials of the state disaster management and Chamoli administration. All the districts are on high alert and people have been warned not to go close to the Ganges river. He has also appealed people not to spread rumors through videos of old floods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tweeted that he is constantly monitoring this unfortunate situation in Uttarakhand. He said that India stands with Uttarakhand and the nation prays for the safety of all the people there. Modi said that he is constantly talking to senior authorities and taking updates on the appointment of NDRF, rescue operations and relief operations.
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.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 7, 2021
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Om Prakash said that 100 to 150 people feared casualties. ITBP, SDRF and NDRF have reached the spot. Red alert has been issued.
Home Minister Amit Shah also reviewed
Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted that he has spoken to Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, DG, ITBP and DG, NDRF regarding the information of natural disaster in Uttarakhand. He told that all the concerned officers are working on a war footing to secure the people. NDRF teams have left for rescue operations. Every possible help will be provided to Devbhoomi. Some more teams of NDRF are being airlifted from Delhi and sent to Uttarakhand. We are constantly monitoring the situation there.
#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