At least 18 dead, about 200 missing after India glacier bursts dams

Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The death toll in India climbed to at least 18 on Monday as rescuers searched for about 200 people who are missing after a Himalayan glacier broke and created severe flooding.

Officials said Monday that emergency crews are also attempting to rescue more than three dozen people trapped inside a large tunnel in Chamoli.

Debris and slush blocked the 12-foot high tunnel where utility workers from a nearby power plant has become trapped.

Floodwaters wiped out two hydroelectric dam projects in Uttarakhand state, which borders Tibet, police tweeted.

Trivendra Singh Rawat, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, tweeted that dozens of workers were missing.

Ashok Kumar, the chief of police in Uttarakhand, asked the public not to spread panic.

"Relief and rescue operations are being done on a war footing," he tweeted. "Cooperate with the administration."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement that he's approved fiscal compensation for relatives of the dead and injured.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres offered condolences to victims' families.

"The United Nations stands ready to contribute to ongoing rescue and assistance efforts if necessary," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.