As warming temperatures melt glaciers, the ice loss has repercussions for climate and water cycles. This in turn has significant impact on landscapes, rivers, ecosystems people and economies
"Out of 206 people missing in a flash flood, bodies of 71 people and 30 body parts have been recovered from Tapovan in Chamoli district," the state government said.
Search operation at the project site has been underway on a war footing basis for a fortnight since it bore the brunt of an avalanche triggered by a glacier burst over Rishi Ganga.
Nine bodies have so far been recovered from the tunnel at Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project site taking the toll in the tragedy to 54, while officials say 150 people are still missing.
Till Wednesday, about 120 metres of slush from the mouth of the tunnel was cleared and those trapped inside were stated to be located somewhere at the depth of 180 metres.
Rescue teams comprising the Army, ITBP, NDRF and SDRF personnel have made little headway beyond 100 metres inside the tunnel as debris has been constantly flowing in.
With the hours ticking by inexorably, fears escalated about those missing since the disaster struck on Sunday morning, according to officials who stepped up efforts to locate survivors.
The 202 still missing include those working at hydel power project sites as well as villagers nearby whose homes were washed away with the force of the raging waters.
Nearly 150 people were still feared missing and many killed and as many as 14 bodies have been recovered after the tragic incident that took place on Sunday morning.
