Uttarakhand glacier burst: Total number of bodies recovered so far reaches 56, says SRPF

Uttarakhand glacier burst: Total number of bodies recovered so far reaches 56, says SRPF

FPJ Web DeskUpdated: Monday, February 15, 2021, 06:23 PM IST
article-image
Uttarakhand glacier burst: Total number of bodies recovered so far reaches 56, says SRPF | ANI Photo

Two more bodies were recovered, taking the death toll due to the Uttarakhand glacier burst to 56, said the State Disaster Response Force (SRPF) on Monday.

Earlier in the day, six bodies were recovered from the flood-ravaged Tapovan tunnel.

Meanwhile, rescue efforts are now underway at the Silt Flushing Tunnel (SFT) only with the help of excavators as a camera or a pipe cannot be inserted due to mounds of sludge and water choking it, the district magistrate said.

The SFT at Tapovan where drilling was completed on Saturday night in the hope of inserting a camera to locate those believed to be trapped inside is also badly choked with slush and water, she said. Rescue or recovery is possible only with the help of excavators now, she added.

Officials said over 150 people still remain missing after the February 7 devastation, possibly triggered by an avalanche in the upper reaches of the Alaknanda river system. A surge of water in Dhauliganga and Rishiganga rivers had ripped through two hydel projects.

Asked about the chances of survival of those missing or trapped, the district magistrate said, "We must always try to be hopeful when the circumstances are adverse." Around 30 people, who were at work inside the tunnel when the flashflood occurred, are believed to be trapped inside the SFT at Tapovan.

The last rites of those pulled out dead after DNA sampling and other formalities have also been going on and compensation cheques are also being distributed among the next of kin of the deceased.

Families of those from outside Chamoli district killed in the tragedy are being paid compensation of Rs 4 lakh each through bankers cheques by the concerned district administration.

Over 500 ration kits carrying foodgrains and essentials have already been distributed among residents of over a dozen villages that were cut off from the district headquarters following the disaster that struck a week ago.

Electricity supply has been restored in all affected villages except Pang where solar lanterns have been provided to residents for the time being, she said.

(With PTI inputs)

RECENT STORIES

INDIA Bloc Leaders To Join Mega Rally Organised By AAP Against Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest At Delhi's...

INDIA Bloc Leaders To Join Mega Rally Organised By AAP Against Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest At Delhi's...

UP: Govt Bus Driver, Conductor Assault Passenger, Bite Off His Ear & Finger After Argument Over...

UP: Govt Bus Driver, Conductor Assault Passenger, Bite Off His Ear & Finger After Argument Over...

'Can't Expect Any Better From Congress': Kangana Ranaut Hits Out At Party For Comments On 'Mandi's...

'Can't Expect Any Better From Congress': Kangana Ranaut Hits Out At Party For Comments On 'Mandi's...

Mukhtar Ansari Was Poisoned To Protect Another Mafia Don; Allege Family Members

Mukhtar Ansari Was Poisoned To Protect Another Mafia Don; Allege Family Members

Gujarat: Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane Inaugurates Key Infrastructure At Indian Coast Guard...

Gujarat: Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane Inaugurates Key Infrastructure At Indian Coast Guard...