Uttarakhand: A major disaster struck the Chamoli district after a glacier burst triggered a massive avalanche and flash floods in the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. According to reports, at least 14 people have lost their lives, while around 170 others are still missing.
Most of the victims are believed to be workers associated with nearby hydropower projects, including the NTPC Tapovan Vishnugad project and the Rishiganga power plant, both of which suffered significant damage due to the sudden surge of water, mud, and debris.
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has announced a compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. Rescue operations are ongoing as teams race against time to locate the missing individuals.
Experts suggest that the disaster was likely caused by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), triggered when a large section of ice broke away from a glacier, releasing a huge volume of water downstream.
Scientists have been warning that climate change is accelerating glacier melt across the Himalayas, leading to the expansion of glacial lakes. For example, Safed Lake in Uttarakhand has reportedly doubled in size over the past five decades, increasing the risk of such sudden floods.
Environmental experts also point out that when many hydropower projects in the region were planned years ago, the long-term impacts of glacier melt and changing water patterns were not fully considered. They are now urging stricter evaluation and caution before approving new infrastructure projects in sensitive Himalayan zones.
