Tapovan Dam built on the Rishi Ganga and Dhauli Ganga in Uttarkhand is severely damaged due to the glacier burst on Sunday morning that resulted into massive avalanche and flooding in Chamoli district. More than 150 people are still missing and around 14 have lost their lives as per the reports.
ITBP Jawans On Rescue Mission
An intense rescue and search operation to recover the people trapped in the tunnel is underway by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. Till now, there is no accurate information on people stuck into the tunnel. According to sources, 143 people are still traceless and more than 30 peoples are trapped inside the tunnel.
ITBP jawans are using heavy excavators to clear the 250 metre long Tunnel near the dam. Till now, they have succeeded in clearing around 100 mts and recovered 14 dead bodies.
The rescue process is underway, here’s a video shared by ANI showing the rescue operation by ITBP:
#WATCH Uttarakhand: ITBP jawans clearing the tunnel in Tapovan, Joshimath.
(Video Source: Indo-Tibetan Border Police) pic.twitter.com/a0PZknhpvc
— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2021
Indian Air Force Deployed Aircrafts For Surveillance
Indian Air Force is taking a survey of the affected areas for which two IAF C-130 aircraft and ALH have been deployed. According to Hindustan Times, dam and two bridges in the surrounding areas are completely washed off whereas very less damaged is done to the road.
Starting from 6:45 am today, 6 Mi 17 sorties, 1 ALH sortie and 1 Chinook sortie have been carried out. Transportation of required load from Dehradun to Joshimath, including 122 personnel, around 5T of load and 6 rescue canines, has been completed: Indian Air Force #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/mwcKUHlccy
— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2021
PM Modi Announced Ex-Gratia For Kin
Prime Minister Modi is taking updates on the situation via Chief Minister Rawat and has also announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to families who have lost their dearest ones in the incident.
Apart from PM, President Ram Nath Kovind and Home Minister Amit Shah has also expressed the grief and said government is standing with the state and it’s people.
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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 7, 2021
“We are ready to offer any support needed,” said UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his tweet.
My thoughts are with the people of India and rescue workers in Uttarakhand as they respond to devastating flooding from the glacier collapse. The UK stands in solidarity with India and is ready to offer any support needed.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 7, 2021
Rishabh Pant Urges People For Help
Many Bollywood celebs and Indian Cricketer Rishabh Pant has also expressed their sincere condolences. Rishabh in his tweet has also said he will donate the match fee to help the rescue operation.
Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out.
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) February 7, 2021
Number of missing people and deaths could be higher said CM Rawat. The natural disaster has caused huge loss of life and property. To figure out the cause of outburst, a team of 6 scientists from DRDO has been send to the Joshimath area.