Chamoli: Several people were feared missing as the water level in Dhauliganga river of Uttarakhand rose suddenly after an avalanche was reported near the Rishiganga power project. The incident was reported from Reni village in the Tapovan area of Chamoli district. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) DIG Ridhim Aggarwal said that more than 150 labourers working at the power project may have been directly affected.

“Representatives of the power project have told me that they are not being able to contact around 150 of their workmen at the project site,” she said. Though details are awaited, several districts, including Pauri, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Haridwar and Dehradun, are likely to be affected and have been put on high alert.

Here Are The Latest Updates

PM Takes Stock of Situation

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said he is constantly monitoring the 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”, he tweeted.

ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and Local Administration on Spot

Speaking to ANI, MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai said, “Two teams of ITBP have reached the spot, three NDRF teams have been rushed from Dehradun and 3 additional teams will reach there with help of IAF chopper till evening. SDRF and local administration are already at the spot.”

The Indian Army has also deployed choppers and troops for supporting the Uttarakhand govt and NDRF to tackle the flood.

“Military station near Rishikesh actively involved in coordination of rescue & relief operations with local administration. Army headquarters monitoring the situation”, said Army

CM Directs Authorities to Deal With Situation

“The district administration, police and disaster management departments have been directed to deal with the situation. Do not pay attention to any kind of rumours. Govt is taking all necessary steps”, news agency ANI quoted Uttarakhand CM TS Rawat as saying.

Furthermore, he informed that people are being evacuated from the areas near Alakananda. “As a precautionary measure, the flow of Bhagirathi River has been stopped. To prevent the flow of water of Alaknanda, Srinagar Dam and Rishikesh Dam have been emptied. I am leaving for the spot”, Rawat added.

He also asked people to contact Disaster Operations Center number 1070 or 9557444486, in case they are stranded in affected areas and need any help.

Home Minister Calls CM Trivendra Singh Rawat

“Regarding the natural disaster in Uttarakhand, I’ve spoken to CM TS Rawat, DGs of ITBP & NDRF. All officers concerned are working on a war footing to rescue people. NDRF teams have left for rescue operations. Every possible help will be provided to Devbhoomi”, tweeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He added,”Some more NDRF teams are being airlifted to Uttarakhand from Delhi. We are constantly monitoring the situation.”

What Triggered Floods?

In a statement, Chamoli Police said, “Rishiganga Power Project was damaged due breach of a glacier in Tapovan area. People living on the bank of Alaknanda river are advised to move to safe places at the earliest.”

People Being Evacuated

Meanwhile, Chamoli district magistrate has instructed officials to evacuate people living in villages on the bank of the Dhauliganga river. The district magistrate and the superintendent of police have also left for the spot.