Uttarakhand Flash Floods: Water levels surge up in Dhauli Ganga once again

02:12 February 08

Over 125 missing after Chamoli glacier burst

02:06 February 08

Tapovan dam completely washed off

Tapovan dam completely washed off, says IAF

Tapovan Hydro-Electric Power Dam, also known as Rishi Ganga Project was completely washed off following a glacier burst in the Chamoli district, said the Indian Air Force's initial report as Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) deployed at Joshimath has undertaken recce of affected areas.

"The dam is called Tapovan Hydro-Electric Power Dam. It is on the confluence of Dhauli Ganga and Rishi Ganga. As per the recce Tapovan dam also called Rishi Ganga Project has been completely washed off," said the report. 

It said that two bridges at the entrance of Malari valley and near Tapovan are also washed away, while the main road between Joshimath to Tapovan is intact. "Construction work and hutments on valley bottom are damaged. Rubble was seen from the entrance of Nanda Devi glacier till as down as Pipalkoti and Chamoli along Dhauliganga and Alaknanda," it added.

00:01 February 08

Efforts underway to rescue 30-35 workers trapped in tunnel
Rescue efforts at present are focussed on extricating 30-35 workers trapped in a tunnel of the Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project on the Dhauli Ganga river, following an avalanche triggered by a glacial burst near Joshimath in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, an official said late Sunday night.
Around 30-35 people including workers and employees of the 480 mwTapovan-Vishnugad hydel project on the Dhauli Ganga river are feared trapped inside one of the tunnels following the avalanche, Project GM RP Ahirwar said.

23:57 February 07

Water levels surge up in Dhauli Ganga once again

The water level in the Dhauli Ganga river surged up once again on Sunday night under the impact of the glacial burst during the day, creating panic among people living in the area.
The sudden surge in the water level in the Dhauli Ganga at around 8 pm prompted authorities to suspend rescue operations underway at a project site in the vicinity of the river for the time being.
Rescue efforts, focussed on extricating 30-35 people trapped in the debris clogging one of the tunnels at the Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project, will be resumed on Monday morning, the GM of the project said.
Swirling waters of the river gurgling downwards are causing fear among people living in the area, he said late Sunday night. PTI 

23:51 February 07

Scientists to be airlifted to affected areas for aerial reconnaissance, says IAF

A team of scientists from Delhi have reached Dehradun and they will take aerial reconnaissance in areas affected by the glacier burst in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Indian Air Force Public Relation Officer Wing Commander Indranil Nandi on Sunday. 

"All the specialised personnel who were airlifted from Delhi have reached Dehradun. The airlifting of these personnel from Dehradun onwards to the affected areas will start at 6:45 am tomorrow," Nandi said while briefing media about the ongoing rescue operation led by the IAF in the state.

"Scientists with specialised equipment will also be taken to the areas for aerial reconnaissance. We will ensure that maximum bases are available to support the operations," he added.

21:48 February 07

Seven people have died, six injured and around 170 are missing after the Uttarakhand flood incident today: State Disaster Management Center

21:48 February 07

Since the flow of water was very fast initially, bodies are being recovered far away from the incident site. Some are trapped in deep areas and others in tunnels, so there is issue of access: Amrendra Kumar Sengar, IG NDRF

21:48 February 07

Now we are focusing on second tunnel, that is tunnel number one, we've learnt that around 30 people are trapped there. We will be carrying out night operations also. Our teams are already on the job & we hope that we'll be able to resue them: Vivek Pandey, ITBP PRO

20:13 February 07

Turkey has expressed its solidarity with India over the flood in Uttrakhand caused after a glacier burst in the state.

20:06 February 07

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

19:09 February 07

A DRDO team of snow & avalanche experts from its newly-created Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment would be reaching tomorrow to assess situation at site in Uttarakhand where flash flood occurred. Team would assess situation in glaciers around the site: DRDO officials

19:09 February 07

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. Experts can tell the reason behind the glacier outburst. But our Government is right now focused on saving lives of people: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat

19:08 February 07

PM Narendra 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: PMO

19:01 February 07

ITBP personnel rescued all 16 people who were trapped in the tunnel near Tapovan in Chamoli.

18:49 February 07

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.

18:33 February 07

State government to give financial assistance of Rs 4 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased, Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was quoted by agencies during a press conference.

18:32 February 07

An Air Commodore-rank officer has been deployed at Jolly Grant by Air Force as Task Force commander to coordinate aerial effort for rescue operations in view of floods. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat is monitoring military efforts for rescue operations: Defence Officials

18:31 February 07

Two C-130J Super Hercules with three companies of National Disaster Response Force & 15 tonnes of other loads and equipment sent from Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad. First C-130J has landed at Jolly Grant airport near Dehradun & second one would be landing soon: Defence Officials

18:29 February 07

Over 150 labourers at Tapovan-Reni power project feared dead

Over 150 labourers working at a power project in Tapovan-Reni are feared dead, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police spokesperson said while quoting the project-in charge. Three bodies have been recovered so far.

18:09 February 07

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

18:09 February 07

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

18:01 February 07

ITBP personnel rescue one person who was trapped in the tunnel near Tapovan dam in Chamoli. 

Rescue operation underway.

17:37 February 07

A Border Roads Organisation bridge near Malari ahead of Joshimath area has been washed away by floods. Director-General BRO Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary has instructed officials to reinstate it at the earliest possible. Necessary stores & personnel are being moved to the location.

17:36 February 07

A Telugu engineer named Sanjeeva Reddy from Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh was near the Uttarakhand Tragic accident. According to him, They are working with CM Ramesh's Rithwik projects and most of the victims are said to be Telugu.

17:16 February 07

17:04 February 07

ITBP rescues all 16 people who were trapped in the tunnel near Tapovan, Chamoli.

17:04 February 07

Seven Indian Navy Diving Teams are on standby for Uttarakhand flash flood relief operations: Indian Navy officials

17:03 February 07

16:37 February 07

Dry weather is likely to prevail over Uttarakhand on 7 & 8 Feb. However, under the influence of a Western Disturbance, light rainfall/ snowfall is likely over northern part of Uttarakhand during evening of 9th to forenoon of 10th, says India Meteorological Department.

16:37 February 07

Uttarakhand is facing a disaster. I am in touch with State CM Trivendra Rawat ji, Union Home Minister and NDRF officers. The rescue operations are underway: PM Modi in Haldia, West Bengal

16:24 February 07

16:15 February 07

ITBP personnel approach the tunnel near Tapovan dam in Chamoli to rescue 16-17 people who are trapped. 

16:06 February 07

Uttarakhand floods: Kejriwal says ready to extend all help

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said his government is ready to extend every possible help to people of Uttarakhand where a glacier broke off at Joshimath in Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to a massive flood.

"The news about the disaster in Chamoli is really worrisome. I pray for everybody's safety. The Delhi government is ready to send every possible help to people of Uttarakhand in this difficult time," he tweeted in Hindi.

16:04 February 07

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

16:04 February 07

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. 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

16:04 February 07

A Border Roads Organisation bridge near Malari ahead of Joshimath area has been washed away by floods. Director General BRO Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary has instructed officials to reinstate it at the earliest possible. Necessary stores & personnel are being moved to the location.

16:03 February 07

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

15:43 February 07

15:35 February 07

15:29 February 07

16 people who were trapped in Tapovan Dam are being shifted to safer places by Police: Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar.

15:29 February 07

15:22 February 07

15:20 February 07

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat being briefed on flood situation by Army and ITBP jawans, in Tapovan area of Chamoli district. Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat reaches near Reni village in Tapovan area of Chamoli; takes stock of the situation.

15:19 February 07

15:09 February 07

Three bodies recovered at NTPC site in Tapovan area of Chamoli in Uttarakhand, says ITBP

15:09 February 07

C 130 and An32 aircraft are being used to airlift NDRF personnel from Ghaziabad to Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun.

Four Army columns, two Medical teams, and one Engineering Task Force have been deployed at Reni village in Tapovan area of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Army helicopters are on aerial recce: Indian Army

15:09 February 07

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat being briefed on flood situation by Army and ITBP jawans, in Tapovan area of Chamoli district.

15:09 February 07

BJP president JP Nadda speaks to Uttarakhand CM TS Rawat and enquires about the flood situation in Chamoli. He also speaks to state BJP chief, says BJP workers must help in rescue work following protocol

15:08 February 07

Casualties are feared to be between 100 to 150. Teams of ITBP, SDRF and NDRF have already reached the spot. Red alert has been issued: Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Om Prakash on Chamoli incident

14:58 February 07

3 NDRF teams have reached there. More teams are ready to be airlifted to Uttarakhand from Delhi. ITBP jawans are also there. I assure people of Uttarakhand that Modi govt stands with them in this difficult time. All help will be extended: HM Amit Shah

14:57 February 07

I pray to God that everyone stays fine and nobody is hurt: Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal

14:23 February 07

Indian Army has deployed choppers & troops for supporting Uttarakhand govt & 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. Six columns (around 600 personnel) of the Indian Army moving towards the flood-affected areas: Army officials

14:22 February 07

It is a kind of tragedy which is very shocking. It's a natural disaster. Home Minister has assured that every help the Uttarakhand government would need will be extended. There shall not be any hesitation on that: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

14:04 February 07

Over 200 jawans are on the job & working in collaboration with local administration. One team is on the spot to assess the situation. Another team is deployed near Joshimath to raise awareness & evacuate people. The situation is under control: Vivek Pandey, ITBP Spokesperson

14:04 February 07

A meeting is scheduled at Cabinet Secretariat on relief operations in Uttarakhand's Chamoli. DGs and Home Ministry officials to join the meeting.

14:04 February 07

Three choppers including two Mi-17 and one ALH Dhruv chopper of Air Force stationed in Dehradun and nearby areas for helping in rescue operations in flood-affected areas. More aircraft will be deployed as per the requirement on ground: IAF officials

13:54 February 07

While in Assam, PM Narendra Modi reviewed situation in Uttarakhand. He spoke to CM Trivendra Singh Rawat & other top officials. He took stock of rescue & relief work underway. Authorities are working to provide all possible support to affected

13:43 February 07

The glacier breach has impacted the Rishiganga river & flooding has taken out one bridge being constructed by BRO. The upper reaches of the Rishiganga project also has been damaged. Chamoli, Joshimath and other downstream reaches will be affected. Teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are already deployed in Joshimath. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already moved from Dehradun to Joshimath. We are organising airlift for 3-4 more teams from Delhi to Dehradun onwards to Joshimath: SN Pradhan, DG NDRF

13:43 February 07

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. Some more NDRF teams are being airlifted to Uttarakhand from Delhi. We are constantly monitoring the situation: HM Amit Shah

13:32 February 07

Alert sounded in lower regions of Haridwar Rishikesh and Srinagar after breaking of glacier in Chamoli.

13:32 February 07

100-150 casualties feared in the flash flood in Chamoli district: Uttarakhand Chief Secretary OM Prakash to ANI 

13:31 February 07

Union Home Minister Amit Shah briefed on Uttrakhand’s Chamoli district flood situation, coordinating relief and rescue with Uttarakhand Chief Secretary, Union Home Secretary & MoS Home Nityanand Rai. Air Force and other disaster relief forces on standby.

13:24 February 07

The Water level in Dhauliganga river rose suddenly following the avalanche near the power project.

13:23 February 07

As a precautionary measure, the flow of the Bhagirathi River has been stopped, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said. 

13:19 February 07

People living on the banks of Alaknanda river are advised to move to safe places at the earliest.

13:19 February 07

If you are stranded in affected areas and you need any help. Please contact Disaster Operations Center number 1070 or 9557444486: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat

13:16 February 07

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.

13:02 February 07

UP on high alert as glacier breaks in Uttarakhand

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh has been put on high alert after a part of Nanda Devi Glacier broke in Uttarakhand, official sources said on Sunday.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all District Magistrates of UP districts situated along the Ganga river to be on high alert and monitor water levels continuously, a government spokesman said."If required, people will be evacuated to safe places. National Disaster Response Force, SDRF and Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary have also been put on highest alert," the spokesman said.

12:52 February 07

SP Yashwant Chauhan said that he himself has left for the spot. Many people are feared missing following the flooding. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat will also reach the spot and will take stock of the situation.

Haridwar district officer has ordered the people to vacate the low-lying areas

12:42 February 07

Following the glacier breach in Joshimath, District Magistrate, Manuj Goyal has instructed the police, engineering department and other officials to remain on alert.  

The water level in Alaknanda River is likely to increase following which district administration and police have appealed to the people of Rudraprayag district to move to safer places.

12:34 February 07

Rishiganga Power Project has been 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: Chamoli Police, Uttarakhand

12:34 February 07

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

12:19 February 07

Rescue workers reach Reni village in Joshimath area of Chamoli district

12:15 February 07

Massive flood in Dhauliganga

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: ITBP

11:44 February 07

Glacial lake outburst reported in Uttarakhand's Chamoli

Uttarakhand: Several labourers working at the Rishi Ganga hydroelectric power project were feared missing after a glacier broke in Dhauli Ganga valley in Joshimath on Sunday morning, sources said.

A dam of the Tapovan power project was breached and feared to have been washed away.

ITBP and SDRF personnel have been rushed to the affected areas to evacuate stranded people.

The rivers in the region have witnessed flash floods after the glacier broke.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has convened an emergency meeting to take stock of the situation and to supervise rescue and relief operations.

Though the impact of the disaster may not be felt in Rishikesh and Haridwar, the towns have been put on alert.

A government spokesman said that there was not much human habitation at the site where the glacier broke but a number of power projects have been hit.

The government has also appealed to the area people not to venture near the Ganga river.