At least 26 people have been killed and more than 170 are still missing in northern India, according to a new report, following a flood that caused part of the Himalayan glacier to collapse.
The search resumed today in broad daylight, with the mobilization of thousands of rescuers, including members of the army and police.
Uttarakhand state police chief Asok Kumar said 26 bodies had been found and 171 people were still missing. An earlier report released this morning said at least 200 people were missing and 18 dead.
Most of the missing were working at two power plants at the Rishiganga Dam. Some were trapped in two tunnels blocked by waves, mud and rocks.
Twelve people were rescued yesterday in one of the tunnels, but 34 are still trapped in the second, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) chief Banud Nair, in charge of rescue operations, told AFP.
Technical difficulties are hampering rescue operations in the tunnel, but about 80 meters deep in the tunnel have already been cleared and are accessible, according to another local official.
Huge volumes of water flooded the Daliganga River valley, destroying everything in its path, flooding a hydroelectric station, roads and bridges, according to images taken by terrified residents.
Authorities, who initially said the collapse of part of a glacier caused the disaster, are now talking about a possible sudden flood due to an overflowing glacial lake.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and to India, saying he was “deeply saddened”, according to his spokesman. “The United Nations stands ready to contribute to ongoing rescue and relief efforts, if necessary,” he added.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he is monitoring rescue operations. “India stands by the people of Uttarakhand and the nation prays for the safety of all who are in the region,” he said on Twitter.
Fourteen glaciers rise above the river in the national park surrounding Mount Nanda Devi. They are the subject of scientific studies due to climate change and deforestation, which increases the risk of collapse.
The melting of 1/4 of the Himalayan ice observed in the last four decades is due to rising temperatures, according to scientists.
