Avalanche kills 14, leaves several missing in Indian state of Uttarakhand

Avalanche kills 14, leaves several missing in Indian state of Uttarakhand
An avalanche in the Indian state of Uttarakhand has killed 14 people and left several others missing.

According to Indian media, an avalanche due to melting glaciers occurred in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state on Sunday, as a result of which 14 people have been confirmed dead while 170 are still missing.

According to Indian media, avalanches in the Alaknanda River and flash floods also destroyed hydraulic stations and five bridges, while authorities immediately evacuated nearby villages as the avalanche hit the road due to melting glaciers. According to Indian media, Army and Navy teams, including the National Disaster, have been deployed in the area after the incident.

Indian media say 148 of the 170 people missing in the incident are employees of a local plant and 22 are employees of the Rishi Ganga, while about 30 people are trapped in the tunnel, which teams are working to evacuate. Teams are struggling with other debris, but Tibetan Border Police have rescued 12 people from the tunnel under construction.

According to Indian media, no help was heard from the people trapped in the tunnel, which has led to fears of their deaths.