Day after destruction, 24×7 rescue work goes on at Uttarakhand’s Rishi Ganga project site

A flash flood likely triggered by a landslide caused havoc in Chamoli and Joshimath. Till now, 15 people have been rescued and 14 bodies recovered.

Rescue and relief workers stand near the damaged Rishi Ganga power project | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Chamoli: As many as 14 bodies have been recovered and 15 people rescued from various locations in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand so far, after a landslide likely triggered catastrophic flash floods along the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers Sunday.

Over 150 labourers, who were working at the Rishi Ganga power project near Joshimath, are said to be missing.

ThePrint’s photojournalist Suraj Singh Bisht travelled to the flood-stricken mountains to bring you glimpses of the destruction, and the rescue work being conducted.

Workers engage in relief work near the damaged Rishi Ganga power project | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Workers standing in a queue near Joshimath | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

ITBP personnel undertake rescue work near the damaged power project | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Another view of the ITBP’s rescue operation | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Workers stand near the damaged Rishi Ganga power project | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Not much of the Rishi Ganga power project remains after the flash flood. This is a view from Tapovan | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Helicopters distribute food to people stranded in the mountains of Chamoli | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Residents sit near the destroyed dam structure | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

ITBP personnel are having to work in dangerous conditions | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Rescue operations are going on day and night near Joshimath | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint