GUWAHATI: Three young boys who had gone to work in Uttarkhand are missing after a glacier burst on Sunday. Two youths from Assam identified as Amarjyoti Das and Kamal Das, who are brothers, went missing in the incident. The duo is from Kampur in Nagaon district of Assam. Also, another boy from Hojai, who lived with brothers Amarjyoti and Kamal is missing after the glacier burst and water from the mountains gushed downstream. Identified as Sosan Dalu he was working for a private company in Uttarakhand.
The parents of the missing youth came to know about the sad incident after authorities informed them through phone regarding the incident.
“Three boys from Assam used to stay in the same room and as per our information, all three were resting in their room when the incident took place. The store in-charge who was outside saw that the entire building was washed away. And just now, we were informed that all the 21 people who were in the room did not survive the incident,” said a local resident.
“We request the Government to bring back their (Amarjyoti-Kamal) bodies if possible as they were the only family their mother had. She is in no condition to go to Uttarakhand now as her financial condition is also bad,” said a person.
It is to be mentioned that, nearly 180 sheep and goats were believed to have been swept away in the flash flood and five locals including three shepherds and two women who were cutting grass had lost their lives in the disaster.
Tapovan Hydro-Electric Power Dam, also known as Rishi Ganga Project was completely washed off following a glacier burst in the Chamoli district, informed the IAF officials. IAF also said that an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) deployed at Joshimath has undertaken recce of affected areas.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said, “We are assuming that around 125 people are missing. The number can be higher. The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh each to the kin of the deceased.”
As it was the last day of the week (Sunday), fortunately, many workers from Uttarakhand were on week off, he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Chief Minister Rawat to review the flood situation in the state. This was his fourth call regarding the matter. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi just called and inquired about the Tapovan disaster. The Prime Minister assured all the necessary help and instructed not to leave any stone unturned in the relief work. It was his fourth call in the day and shows the Prime Minister have affection for Uttarakhand,” tweeted Rawat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to say he had spoken to Mr. Rawat: “Am constantly monitoring the unfortunate situation. India stands with Uttarakhand and the nation prays for everyone’s safety there.” Home Minister Amit Shah also tweeted; he said the Modi government stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Uttarakhand.
(with inputs from ANI)
