Uttarakhand Disaster: 14 Dead, Rescue Operations Continue

At least 14 people have been killed after a glacier burst prompted disaster in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Sunday. The number of casualties could increase as 170 people are feared to be missing. The glacier burst triggered an avalanche, that swept away hydroelectric stations and five bridges.

Rescue operations are still underway with six columns of Army personnel, seven diving teams of Navy and personnel of NDRF and ITBP engaged in Uttarakhand.

Out of the 170 people missing, 148 were employed at the NTPC plant and 22 at Rishiganga.

The terrain and the temperature is posing a major threat for the rescue teams.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawa announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of those who died in the disaster. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.