130 people still missing in Uttarakhand glacial burst: Government
As many as 130 people continue to be missing following the February 7 glacial burst in Uttarakhand, which claimed 74 lives, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. On February 7, an avalanche triggered the water level in the Dhauliganga River and its tributaries to suddenly rise in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, causing severe casualties and damage.
Rishi Ganga power project completely washed away, five bridges damaged
The Rishi Ganga power project located in the upper stream of the Alaknanda river was completely washed away in the Uttarakhand disaster. The state-run Tapovan Vishnugad hydro plant was partially damaged, while five bridges were completely damaged.
Team of experts will study what caused the floods
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has constituted a joint-study team of experts from different institutes and organizations of central and state governments. It aims to understand the causes of the flash floods in river Rishiganga and Dhauliganga and to suggest mitigation and preparedness measures to prevent such events.
A committee will review the glacial natural lakes
Rai said that Uttarakhand Government has also constituted a committee to review the glacial natural lakes and their effects. A 30-member team had earlier widened the opening of a lake formed upstream of the Rishi Ganga river by 15 feet to avert any mishap.
Rs. 4 lakh ex-gratia for next of kin of deceased
In a written reply, Rai said, "As per information received from the state government of Uttarakhand, 74 bodies have been recovered so far and 130 persons are still reported missing." "The State Government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. four lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the incident," Rai added.
Most people died because of sludge water entering their lungs
The Chief Medical Officer of Chamoli, GS Rana had earlier revealed that all those who died in the Uttarakhand glacial disaster sustained injuries on their bodies, and suffocated to death because of sludge water entering their lungs.
