Big rescue operation in the Himalayas after the glacier tragedy, fear of many dead

Rescuers in northern India are working hard to save dozens of tunnel power plant workers. Yesterday, part of a glacier broke, releasing a huge amount of water and mud. There are at least eighteen dead. 165 people are still missing.

The rescue operation in the northern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, involving some 2,000 military, paramilitary and police groups, is now focused on the recovery of 37 workers trapped in the tunnel. There has been no contact with them yet.

Yesterday, twelve employees were rescued, trapped in another tunnel. One of the survivors told the AP News Agency that at first they thought the rain was falling, but when the mud came in they knew there was a big problem. They were able to inform the emergency services using a cell phone.

Barrage

Many more dead are feared to be recovered. The power station is located near a dam in a river. The great flow of water and mud forced the inhabitants of the villages along the river to evacuate. Indian emergency services have abandoned food and medicine in some places.

Observers say the degradation of glaciers is likely linked to climate change.