Glacier bursts in Uttarakhand's Chamoli, 50 feared dead

Reports received here said that the Rishiganga Power Project has been completely damaged as the water level in the Alaknanda river rose several feet due to flash floods caused by the breaking of the glacier.

Uttarakhand Director General of Police Ashok Kumar said that over 50 people who were working at the Rishiganga power project are feared to have been washed away or dead. "People who have been caught in the silt are being rescued. Teams of police and SDRF have reached the spot. The water has reached Karanprayag. We are trying our level best that there is no further loss of life," Mr Kumar said.

Confirming the disaster, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said that he has rushed to the spot. "I request people to not to spread the rumours of the disaster by sharing some old related videos," the CM said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is presently in Assam, took stock of the situation. "PM spoke to CM Rawat and other top officials. He took stock of the rescue and relief work underway. Authorities are working to provide all possible support to the affected," the Prime Minister's Office said.

The Prime Minister said in a Twitter post that he is constantly monitoring the unfortunate 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 wrote.

Home Minister Amit Shah also tweeted and said he has spoken to Chief Minister Rawat.

"I have spoken to Uttarakhand, Chief Minister TS Rawat and Director-Generals of the ITBP and NDRF in relation to the natural disaster in Uttarakhand. All concerned officers are working on a war footing to ensure the safety of people. NDRF teams have left for rescue operstions and all possible help will be provided," he tweeted in Hindi.

Many houses and hutments located along the river were washed away by the gushing river water that uprooted hundreds of trees that came in its way.

A National Disaster Management Team (NDRF) has reached the spot and Chamoli police has issued an alert for people to stay away from all the riparian areas of Uttarakhand.

Urging people to remain calm, Mr Rawat said the government is taking all necessary steps and people are being evacuated from all flood-hit areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to CM Rawat, DG ITBP and DG NDRF. Assuring the people of disaster-hit area of all possible help, Mr Shah informed that a National Disaster Management Team (NDRF) has been deployed for rescue operations.