Uttarakhand| Massive Avalanche Near Chamoli, '150 People Missing'; Rescue Ops Underway

The water level in the Dhauliganga River rose after a sudden avalanche near a power project at Reni village in Tapovan area of ​​Chamoli district. The District Magistrate of Chamoli has directed the officials to evacuate the people living in the villages situated on the banks of the Dhauliganga River. 

Havoc near Reni village in Uttarakhand

The massive avalanche in Raini near Chamoli, Joshimath, Uttarakhand, is reported to have caused massive destruction in the nearby villages and surrounding areas. Reports suggest that many people have drowned in the flood as the heavy flow of water has swept away the houses located in the area. The administration has reached the spot. Relief and rescue work is going on.

The water level in the Dhauliganga River rose after a sudden avalanche near a power project at Reni village in the Tapovan area of ​​Chamoli district. The District Magistrate of Chamoli has directed the officials to evacuate the people living in the villages situated on the banks of the Dhauliganga River. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police have left for the spot.

Uttarakhand CM TS Rawat said, "A disaster has been reported from Chamoli district. 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."

Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Rawat, "People are being evacuated from the areas near Alkananda. As a precautionary measure, the flow of the 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."

According to ITBP," A massive flood in Dhauliganga seen near Reni village, where some water body flooded and destroyed many river bankside houses due to cloudburst or breaching of reservoir. Casualties feared. Hundreds of ITBP personnel rushed for rescue."

High Alert has also been issued in Uttar Pradesh and CM Yogi Adityanath has asked the forces to be prepared.

2 dams that were being constructed under Rishi Ganga Project have been washed out and it is being feared that people who were working on this project today drowned in the flood, though there is no official confirmation.

No Casualties have been reported yet and many feared being trapped.

"150 people who resided in the disaster area cannot be tracked, while the rescue operation is underway, "Ridhima Agarwal, CEO, SDRF to ABP News.

"Two teams of ITBP reach 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 & local administration already at spot", MoS Home Nityanand Rai on massive flood in Dhauliganga.