Pakistan saddened by loss of lives in Indian glacier burst

Pakistan has extended condolences to India over loss of precious lives due to flash floods caused by glacier break-off in northern Indian and prayed for the early recovery of those missing.

Around 125 people were missing in Uttarakhand state after a Himalayan glacier broke and swept away a small hydroelectric dam on Sunday, with floods forcing the evacuation of villages downstream.

A wall of dust, rock and water hit as an avalanche roared down the Rishiganga valley deep in the mountains of Uttarakhand.

“Saddened over loss of precious lives due to flash floods caused by glacier break-off in Uttarakhand. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. We pray for the safety and early rescue and recovery of those missing,” the Foreign Office said in a statement issued late Sunday.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said 125 people were missing but the number could rise. So far, the bodies of seven people had been recovered.

The disaster took place around 500 km (310 miles) north of New Delhi.

Uttarakhand is prone to flash floods and landslides and the disaster prompted calls by environment groups for a review of power projects in the ecologically sensitive mountains.

(With input from Reuters)