At least nine people have died and and 200 others missing, after a piece of Himalayan mountain glacier broke and fell into a river in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India, on Sunday.

Authorities have recovered at least three bodies and have launched an operation to rescue about 20 people trapped in a tunnel.

Terrifying videos taken by terrified residents of the Dhauliganga river valley show the massive surge of water sweeping through two power plants, sweeping away roads and bridges.

"There was a cloud of dust as the water went by. The ground shook like an earthquake," a local witness was quoted telling Indian TV.

According to reports, those missing include 50 workers of the Rishi Ganga power plant, and some 150 workers of the Tapovan Vishnugad power plant.

Residents of the valley have been evacuated, and a rescue party, including the military, scoured ground zero with helicopters and other aircraft.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was monitoring the relief operation, tweeting: "India stands with Uttarakhand and the nation prays for everyone's safety there."


Source: dailysabah.com, todayonline.com
Photo source: oneindia.com, The Indian Express