A devastating glacier burst in Uttarakhand, India, triggered flash floods that swept through the Tapovan Vishnugad hydropower project on February 7, 2021, leaving up to 150 people missing and stranding dozens of workers in its wake. A swift rescue operation saved 12 laborers from the remote valley, but authorities warn the death toll could rise as search efforts continue.
The disaster highlights growing concerns about hydropower development in ecologically fragile Himalayan regions. Experts link glacial instability to climate-driven temperature rises, with local officials describing the event as a 'wake-up call' for infrastructure planning. Over 2,000 personnel remain deployed in rescue operations.
Reference(s):
12 hydropower workers rescued after Uttarakhand glacier burst
cgtn.com
