Over 150 people are feared dead in India after a Himalayan glacier broke in Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state in the north of India.
Highlights:
- A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off on Sunday morning.
- Over 150 people are feared dead in Uttarakhand.
- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has expressed his support.
A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off on Sunday morning, destroying the Rishiganga and Dhauliganga hydropower projects, a spokesman for paramilitary Indo Tibetan Border Police told India media.
According to officials, at least 150 people were working at the two power plants at the time of floods, and most of them remain untraced.
Australian PM Scott Morrison tweeted that Australia stands with one of its "closest friends" at this very difficult time.
"Devastating news for India and Narendra Modi following flash flooding in Uttarakhand. Australia stands with one of its closest friends at this very difficult time."
Water, mud and debris at Chamoli District after a portion of Nanda Devi glacier broke off in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Source: AAP/KK Productions
Mr Modi had tweeted, "Am 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."
A witness told Reuters that a wall of dust, rock, and water hit as an avalanche roared down the Rishiganga valley deep in Uttarakhand's mountains.
"It came very fast, there was no time to alert anyone," Sanjay Singh Rana, who lives on the upper reaches of the river in Raini village, told Reuters by phone. "I felt that even we would be swept away."
This photograph provided by Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) shows a man reacting after he was pulled out from beneath the ground by ITBP personnel. Source: Indo Tibetan Border Police via AP
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said 125 people were missing, but the number could rise. So far, the bodies of seven people had been recovered, according media reports.
