Uttarakhand: Relief & rescue operations continue in full swing

In Uttarakhand, the relief and rescue operations are continuing in full swing. The number of missing people has also gone up to around 200 after many people are also reported to be missing from nearby areas.Eighteen bodies have been recovered so far. The State Government has released 20 crore rupees for relief and rescue operations in disaster-affected Chamoli district. A massive operation has been on since last night to rescue people believed to be trapped inside a tunnel. The 12-foot high and 15-foot wide tunnel at Tapovan in Chamoli was blocked with slush and debris, trapping workers of an NTPC thermal power plant that was washed away. The tunnel is over 2.5 km long with just one entry and bifurcates into two, officials said, adding that it was hard to tell where the workers were trapped or whether they were together at all. Earthmovers and shovels were used by hundreds of personnel and locals in the night-long mission to unclog the tunnel's opening. In the day, personnel held sticks for better grip as they entered the sludge-filled tunnel. Over 300 personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and 200 others from the army and disaster teams are involved in the operation.

 Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat held a meeting with senior officers of the State Government, Disaster Management and Police, Army and ITBP officials in the Secretariat to review the relief and rescue operations in Joshimath area. He directed the officers that adequate food items should be available in the area. All the necessary materials should be available on time to the personnel engaged in relief and rescue operations. The Chief Minister also directed the officers that a survey of sensitive places should be done from time to time. SDRF teams should also be deployed near sensitive locations. Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Energy Minister Mr. R.K. Singh visited the disaster-hit areas to assess the situation. Ration and relief supplies transported by helicopter to villages cut off from connectivity.

Director of Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun Dr. Prakash Chauhan informed that the possibility of disaster is being predicted due to fresh snow ejaculation. This led to a rapid rise in the water level of the river. Now the situation is normal. One thousand ration packets and other materials have been sent for immediate relief.Chamoli District Administration is providing ration, medical and daily needs items to the 13 villages of Niti Valley through chopper. Relief materials including 5 kilograms each of rice and flour, sugar, lentils, oil, salt, spices, tea leaves, soap, milk powder, candles, matches are being sent to the stranded people in villages. District Administration teams are searching for the missing people on the banks of the Alaknanda River along with the disaster-affected area.