Photos: Rescue teams race to find survivors at Tapovan tunnel in Chamoli
Using drones and remote-sensing equipment, rescue teams intensified efforts on February 10 to reach an estimated 25-35 men trapped in the sludge-choked Tapovan tunnel since the Uttarakhand glacier disaster three days ago and the over 200 people still missing. So far, 32 bodies have been recovered from different places in the disaster-hit areas of Chamoli district according to the State Emergency Control Centre in Dehradun. A glacier broke in the Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand on February 7, which led to massive flooding in Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers, and damaged houses and the nearby Rishiganga power project.
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A view of Tapovan barrage two days after a portion of the Nanda Devi glacier snapped off, releasing water trapped behind it in Tapovan, Uttarakhand on February 9. Scientists are investigating what caused the glacier to break – possibly an avalanche or a release of accumulated water – as teams on the ground work to locate over 200 people still missing.(AP)
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People look at the damaged Tapovan hydel project, a day after a glacier broke off in Joshimath causing massive flood in Dhauli Ganga River on February 8. As many as 32 bodies have been recovered so far from different areas hit by the glacier burst in Chamoli district.(Arun Sharma / PTI)
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Rescue operations continue at Tapovan tunnel in Chamoli on February 10. The rescue operation at the 2.5 km long Tapovan tunnel continued with 25-35 persons stuck inside. A joint team of ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and sister agencies entered the tunnel this morning.(Arun Sharma / PTI)
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Armed forces personnel discuss rescue strategies near the Tapovan tunnel on February 8. A meeting of all agencies including senior officials of ITBP, NDRF, Army and local administration has been called on February 10 to decide further course of action.(Arun Sharma / PTI)
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