Glacier Burst: Now Elite MARCOS Commandos Deployed For Rescue Operations; 170 Persons Missing, 7 Bodies Found

Dehradun, February 7, 2021: Apart from the Indian Army, Air Force, ITBP, NDRF and SDRF teams, now Indian Navy has deployed its elite Marine Commando (MARCOS) team for the rescue operation. 

“Two An-32 aircraft have transported relief material and Indian Navy Marine Commando team to Dehradun. An IAF officer, as Task Force Commander, at Jolly Grant airport, is coordinating relief operations. humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) aerial ops will continue tomorrow”, Indian Air Force tweeted. 

Earlier in the day, two IAF C-130 aircraft from Air Force Station Hindan airlifted NDRF teams at Dehradun, where Mi-17 and ALH helicopters were deployed for onward deployment to Joshimath. An additional ALH deployed at Joshimath had undertaken recce of affected areas.

Glacier burst: The breaking of a glacier in the area bordering China border in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand created havoc around 10.45 am today. About 170 people went missing. The bodies of seven people have been recovered and six people have been injured. Most of these people are connected with power projects of Reni and Tapovan. A total compensation of Rs six lakhs have been announced by the Prime Minister and Chief Minister. 

After the incident, NDRF, ITBP and Army engaged in relief and rescue work besides local police and administration. At the same time, the water flow is now under control after the floods in the Alaknanda and tributaries, so there is no danger to the surrounding villages. 

The Chief Secretary of the Government of Uttarakhand said that the government is monitoring the situation. The National Crisis Management Committee meeting was chaired by the Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba following the floods caused by the breaking of the glacier. The Cabinet Secretary has instructed the concerned agencies to work in close coordination and provide all requisite assistance to the state administration. He stressed the search for the missing people and directed them to ensure that those trapped in the tunnel were rescued.

Trapped workers rescued from tunnel: ‘Jai Badri Vishal’ and ‘ITBP Ki Jai’ cheers echoed the entire atmosphere in Chamoli district when brave ITBP jawans took out the trapped labourers safely after several hours of hard work. The bodies of labourers have also been recovered in the Tapovan area of ​​Chamoli. The horrific scene of the past several hours was clearly visible on the faces of the villagers who were safe from the tunnel trapped in the devastation caused by the glacier.

The joy of coming back alive from the face of death could be seen on everyone’s faces. After being trapped in the tunnel for many hours, when people came out, they were not tired of kissing the earth and thanking the brave soldiers of ITBP.  

ITBP jawans came as angels and saved lives for the people buried under the debris of the flood. The tunnel is about 250 meters long. Many people entered the tunnel to save lives when the flood occurred. But the debris that came along with the flood closed the entire tunnel. ITBP personnel started removing debris at a rapid pace. After some time, they started seeing people trapped there. 

According to government sources, by late evening the ITBP team had evacuated 12 people safely. Relief-rescue operations continue continuously.

 When life was found, the labourer rose: People buried within the tunnel had lost hope of life. People thanked the ITBP jawans after getting a new life. A young man jogged as soon as he came out.

Labourers trapped in tunnels: Most of the missing employees are stuck in the tunnel of the power project. The Rishiganga project has one tunnel while the NTPC project has two tunnels. CM said that floods have filled silt in these tunnels by about 35 feet.  

Six locals also missing: A large number of local people also work in the Rishiganga and NTPC projects. Being Sunday, they were on holiday, which reduced the loss of life and property. CM said that six local people were also reported missing.  

Two police personnel also missing: The NTPC project also has four police personnel on security duty. Today, two jawans were on leave, while two were on duty. After the floods, no trace of these two policemen has been found.