GlacierHub
On Sunday, February 7, a devastating flood tore through a Himalayan valley in the northern Chamoli district of India’s Uttarakhand state. The flood rushed down the Rishi Ganga River and destroyed two hydropower projects and several villages. While initial reports said the flood was a glacial lake outburst flood, further investigation has shown that the causes of this tragedy are much more complex.
As of this Sunday, a week after the flood, 50 people have been confirmed dead while 154 people are still missing. Another 35 people are thought to be trapped in construction tunnels of the valley’s hydroelectric power projects. Rescue efforts in the valley are continuing as aid groups are working to provide supplies to evacuated villagers and workers.