A glacier broke off at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and causing large-scale devastation in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas. According to the reports, more than 150 labourers working in a power project have been reported missing.

A glacier broke off at Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and causing large-scale devastation in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas. According to the reports, more than 150 labourers working in a power project have been reported missing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Assam’s Dhekiajuli, took to Twitter and wrote, “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.” 

The PMO said in another tweet that Modi, who is in Assam to launch several development projects, reviewed the situation in Uttarakhand and spoke to the state chief minister. “Authorities are working to provide all possible support to the affected,” the PMO said.

While in Assam, PM @narendramodi reviewed the situation in Uttarakhand. He spoke to CM @tsrawatbjp and other top officials. He took stock of the rescue and relief work underway. Authorities are working to provide all possible support to the affected.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 7, 2021

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said teams of the NDRF have been deployed for rescue and relief operations of the affected people while additional troops of the force are being airlifted from Delhi. “We are constantly monitoring the situation,” he said in a tweet on Sunday.

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. Many villages were evacuated and people taken to safer areas.