In an unexpected and tragic turn of events, a massive glacier burst in Joshimath in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Sunday led to a deadly flood in the Dhauli Ganga river, endangering the lives of several people living along its banks. 

Unfortunately, several homes along the way were swept away as the waters rushed down the mountainsides in a raging torrent. There were fears of damage in human settlements downstream as well. 

Meanwhile, as per the reports, many villages were evacuated and people took to safer areas. 

More than 150 labourers working at the Rishi Ganga power project may have been directly affected, news agency PTI quoted State Disaster Response Force DIG Ridhim Aggarwal as saying. 

Currently, a high alert has been issued in Uttarakhand while authorities in all districts of the state on the banks of the Ganga river have been asked to continuously monitor the water level.

© ITBP

© ITBP

The NDRF, SDRF and PAC Flood Company are being given instructions to be on the highest alert, an official statement said. 

Here are some shocking photos and videos from Joshimath as massive floods wreaked havoc in the area: 

ALERT
Extremely Sad To Hear About The #Uttarakhand Glacier Break, Praying For The Safety Of Missing People
Helpline Nos.:
- 1905
- 1070
- 9557444486

Kindly Retweet & Spread The Word. #Uttarakhand #prayforuttarakhand #prayforuttrakhand #Chamoli #Uttrakhand #GlacierBurst pic.twitter.com/j7pD5yWrK2

— Dhruvil Gajjar (@meggi_07) February 7, 2021

Biggest story at this time: Terrifying images of glacier break leading massive flooding in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. Extensive damage and devastation expected at several villages. Full coverage on @IndiaToday pic.twitter.com/rzR6ODfJ9y

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) February 7, 2021

Rescue work in progress. 

UPDATE #UttarakhandGlacialBurst

An #IAF ALH carried out reconnaissance of affected area by 6 scientists of DRDO along with their specialised equipment.
Starting from 0645hrs today morning,6 Mi 17 sorties,1 ALH sortie & 01 Chinook sortie hv bn carried out. +@NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/nqWWCcuGBj

— Mayank (@scribesoldier) February 8, 2021

#Uttarakhand#UttarakhandGlacialBurst

Indian Army columns working continuously to rescue people trapped in the longer tunnel.
Work will continue through the night. #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/nZV412F2Qc

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) February 7, 2021

WATCH: Indian Army removes debris and slush at the tunnel in Chamoli through the night to carry out the further rescue operation.#UttarakhandGlacialBurst: Video courtesy @adgpi pic.twitter.com/dnUmW9CApb

— Asianet Newsable (@AsianetNewsEN) February 8, 2021

#UttarakhandGlacialBurst

Indian Army columns working continuously to rescue people trapped in the long tunnel at #Tapovan. Field hospitals are set up to treat the injured. Search & rescue operations will continue through the night.
God bless #uttarakhand & our soldiers pic.twitter.com/KbZuhTjaPk

— Anita Chauhan (@anita_chauhan80) February 8, 2021

Personnel from the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) rescue a man. 

Watch the incredible video here: 

“ Humanity at Its Best “
Heartening to see that Whole Nation stands with people of #Uttarakhand in the face of this adversity.#UttarakhandGlacialBurst pic.twitter.com/91PyewwVYG

— M B Patil (@MBPatil) February 8, 2021

As per the reports, India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that no adverse weather is expected in Chamoli, Tapovan and Joshimath of Uttarakhand on February 7 and 8. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he is closely reviewing the crisis unfolding in Uttarakhand. 

The Uttar Pradesh government has asked all authorities in districts on the banks of the Ganga river to be on high alert and monitor water levels following the flash floods in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.

As per the latest reports, as many as 15 people have been killed and close to 150 people are still missing.

An operation to rescue people trapped in a tunnel near the Tapovan dam is currently underway and heavy machinery is being used to clear the debris. 

The two hydel projects bore the brunt of the "one time" mishap in which the Rishi Ganga hydel project at Raini was totally destroyed and the one at Tapovan suffered partial damage.

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