The Rishiganga energy project in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district was damaged by floods. Those living near the Alaknanda River were urged to flee safely, but to remain calm.
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said 140 people had disappeared at the state-run electricity company, NTPC, while 17 had not been identified at the Rishiganga project.
“Two bodies have already been recovered,” Rawat wrote on Twitter. He added that at least 600 soldiers and Indo-Tibetan border police personnel assisted in the rescue operations.
On Sunday, Indian Interior Minister Amit Shah said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams had been sent to deal with the disaster.
Local police said they rescued 16 people trapped at the nearby Tapovan dam. “A disaster was reported in the village of Raini around 10:45 am (12:15 am ET) that affected two dams in Chamoli,” said Rawat, who urged people not to spread rumors using old flood videos.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message of support following the disaster. “I am constantly monitoring the unfortunate situation in Uttarakhand,” he wrote on Twitter.
“India is with Uttarakhand and the nation is praying for the safety of everyone there. They have talked continuously with the higher authorities and received updates on the deployment of the NDRF, rescue work and relief operations.”