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Uttarakhand glacier burst LIVE: 10 dead, 125 missing; 16 labourers rescued from tunnel

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Dehradun, Feb 07: A glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and endangering the lives of people living along its banks.

At least 10 bodies have been recovered so far while more than 150 labourers working at the Rishi Ganga power project may have been directly affected.

Here are the LIVE updates:

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10:22 PM, 7 Feb
Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar said rescue work at the NTPC's 900-metre long Tapovan Tunnel had to be halted due to rise in water level: Press Information Bureau, Uttarakhand
9:53 PM, 7 Feb
Our deepest condolences to those affected by the glacier burst and landslide in India. We grieve with the family and friends of the deceased and extend our hopes for a speedy and full recovery for the injured: US State Department
9:16 PM, 7 Feb
Kalachand Sain said two teams of glaciologists - one with two members and other with three members - will leave Dehradun on Monday morning.
9:15 PM, 7 Feb
Two teams of glaciologists will head to Joshimath-Tapovan on Monday to study the causes of massive flood caused after a part of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off in Uttarakhand''s Chamoli district, the director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology said.
8:48 PM, 7 Feb
BJP leader Uma Bharti Sunday said the Uttarakhand flood tragedy triggered by a glacier burst is a matter of concern as well as a warning, and added that as a minister she had spoken against having any power project on the Ganga and its major tributaries.
8:03 PM, 7 Feb
France expresses its full solidarity with India, after a glacier burst in the Uttarakhand province, leading to the disappearance of over 100 people. Our thoughts are with them and their families: French President Emmanuel Macron
6:57 PM, 7 Feb
PM Modi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragic avalanche caused by a Glacier breach in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
6:57 PM, 7 Feb
PM Narendra Modi assured all possible help, he called twice. I also got calls from Home Minister Amit Shah and President Ram Nath Kovind: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat.
6:56 PM, 7 Feb
Indian Army has reached the spot, a team of NDRF that has reached Dehradun is en route Chamoli. Doctors have camped there. A team of 60 SDRF personnel with equipment have reached the spot: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat
6:30 PM, 7 Feb
U'khand glacial burst washed away Rishiganga small hydro project of 13.2 MW, says spokesperson after National Crisis Management Committee meet.
6:06 PM, 7 Feb
I have been watching the visuals from Chamoli district about damage caused by Glacier burst. In this difficult time, we stand shoulder to shoulder with people affected by the tragedy. Praying for well-being of the people of Uttarakhand: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
6:06 PM, 7 Feb
I am back in Dehradun after reviewing situation on the ground. I am now meeting disaster management team comprising of state officials and that from Army and ITBP. I will be meeting press shortly and update everyone on the situation: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat
5:57 PM, 7 Feb
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary, Rajiv Gauba met today to review the situation arising out of the natural disaster in Uttarakhand caused by glacial burst.
5:50 PM, 7 Feb
I pray for the safety of all & request Congress workers & volunteers to help the people & the authorities in their relief & rescue efforts. The Indian National Congress stands with the people of Uttarakhand in this hour of tragedy and crisis: Sonia Gandhi
5:50 PM, 7 Feb
Concerned at the disturbing news of 'glacier break', flooding & destruction in Uttarakhand, and the resultant projection of danger in the downstream catchment of the River Ganga: Congress President Sonia Gandhi
5:49 PM, 7 Feb
'The priority of the government should be to rescue people who are stranded and immediately locate those who are missing. We appeal to our people in Uttarakhand to come forward and extend all possible help to the affected people and those engaged in relief work,' Yadav said in a Hindi tweet.
5:43 PM, 7 Feb
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the government's priority should be on rescuing stranded people in the affected areas.
5:40 PM, 7 Feb
'The loss of lives in the lower areas caused after an avalanche in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is extremely saddening. The Centre should ensure every type of help to the state government to tackle the disaster. This is the demand of the BSP,' she said in a tweet in Hindi.
5:31 PM, 7 Feb
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati said the loss of lives was extremely saddening.
5:31 PM, 7 Feb
Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday termed the disaster caused due to flash floods triggered by a massive glacial burst in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district extremely sad, and urged the Centre to extend all possible help to the state.
5:22 PM, 7 Feb
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said no adverse weather is expected in Chamoli, Tapovan and Joshimath of Uttarakhand on February 7 and 8.
5:02 PM, 7 Feb
ITBP rescues all 16 people who were trapped in the tunnel near Tapovan, Chamoli.
4:32 PM, 7 Feb
An avalanche near Tapovan in Uttarakhand has damaged a part of our under construction hydropower project in the region. While rescue operation is on, situation is being monitored continuously with the help of district administration and police: NTPC Limited
4:32 PM, 7 Feb
It is suspected that around 100 workers were at the site. Of which, 9-10 dead bodies have been recovered from the river. Search operation underway. 250 ITBP personnel are present at site, Indian Army team to reach soon: SS Deswal, DG, ITBP
4:31 PM, 7 Feb
There was an under constructed tunnel near Tapovan dam in Uttarakhand where around 20 workers are stranded. ITBP team deployed at site is undertaking rescue operation. We are in touch with the management team of NTPC to gather information on missing people: SS Deswal, DG, ITBP
4:28 PM, 7 Feb
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 Ram Nath Kovind
4:27 PM, 7 Feb
Uttarakhand: ITBP personnel approach the tunnel near Tapovan dam in Chamoli to rescue 16-17 people who are trapped.
3:38 PM, 7 Feb
We are gathering details on the flash flood in Uttarakhand's Chamoli. Our officials are in contact with authorities there. As it concerns Ganga river, we need to remain alert: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
3:25 PM, 7 Feb
I have spoken to Union Home Secretary and I will speak to Home Minister soon. They have assured all possible help: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat
3:25 PM, 7 Feb
Six columns (around 600 personnel) of the Indian Army moving towards the flood-affected areas: Army officials
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The disaster was also confirmed by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, who rushed to the spot and said police and disaster management departments have been directed to deal with the situation.

''People are being evacuated from the areas near Alkananda. As a precautionary measure, flow of Bhagirathi River has been stopped. To prevent the flow of water of Alaknanda, Srinagar Dam & Rishikesh Dam have been emptied. SDRF is on alert. I am leaving for the spot,'' Uttarakhand CM said.

''If you are stranded in affected areas and you need any help. Please contact Disaster Operations Center number 1070 or 9557444486,'' Rawat further said.

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