Uttarakhand: Avalanche triggers flood in Dhauliganga river; 100-150 casualties feared
The water level in the Dhauliganga river rose suddenly after an avalanche on Sunday in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Local authorities have ordered the evacuation of people living in villages on the banks of the river. Rescue operations are underway and while officials have not confirmed any fatalities so far, 100-150 casualties are feared. Here are more details.
Avalanche near Reni village triggered floods
According to ANI, the river flooded after an avalanche near a power project at Reni village in Chamoli's Tapovan area. The Chamoli Police said that the Rishiganga Power Project has been damaged due to the breach of a glacier. The Joshimath-Malari bridge has been washed away, reports said. Many river bankside houses were also destroyed, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) said.
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Hundreds of ITBP personnel deployed for rescue operations
The ITBP said that hundreds of its personnel have been deployed for the rescue of feared casualties. The Chamoli District Magistrate has instructed officials to evacuate people living in villages on the river's bank. The DM, the Superintendent of Police, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister TS Rawat have left for the spot. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is also on alert, Rawat said.
Union Home Minister briefed; Air Force on standby
Government taking all necessary steps: Uttarakhand CM
Rawat tweeted, "The district administration, police department, and disaster management have been ordered to deal with this disaster. Do not pay attention to any kind of rumors. The government is taking all necessary steps." "As a precaution, the flow of Bhagirathi river has been stopped. To prevent the flow of water of Alaknanda, Srinagar Dam and Rishikesh Dam have been evacuated," he added.
CM shared helpline numbers for those affected
Alaknanda river's flow has now become normal: Uttarakhand CM
In an update, Rawat said, "A news of relief is that the flow of Alaknanda river beyond Nandprayag has become normal. The water level is now one meter above normal but the flow is decreasing," adding that officials are constantly monitoring the situation.
