Nandadevi Glacier has made headlines for the wrong reasons after a part of it broke off resulting in flash floods in Uttarakhand. The water level rose suddenly in Chamoli district.?
This resulted in many houses being washed away on the banks of Dhauliganga river in Reni village.
Around 100 to 150 are feared dead.?
"The Rishiganga project in Rini village of Chamoli may have been damaged due to heavy rains and sudden gush of water. There is also a possibility of flooding in the lower areas of Alaknanda. People residing near the river have been alerted and removed from the area," said Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.?
So what is Nandadevi exactly? Well, the glacier forms part of the 2nd highest mountain in India. In fact, it is the highest that is located completely in India as Kanchenjunga is on the border with Nepal. In the world, it occupies 23rd spot among the highest peaks.?
Above its southwestern base is the Dakkini Nandadevi Glacier.
On the northern side lies the Uttari Nandadevi Glacier. The glacier overall covers a lot of ice and one can understand why a part of it breaking off would result in floods like this.?
A high alert has been declared and rescue operations are underway. People have been asked to be vigilant in areas like Haridwar and even Srinagar.?