The rescue operation following the massive avalanche in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, continues as authorities work tirelessly to locate missing individuals. Fifty workers have been pulled out of snow from the site of an avalanche-hit BRO camp, but four of them died on Saturday. According to latest rescue updates provided by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA), five labourers were missing but one of them -- Sunil Kumar from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh -- has reached home safely on his own and now, the search is focused on the four remaining workers.
"The severe snowfall is making operations extremely challenging," CM Dhami said. "Power and internet services have been disrupted in over five blocks due to continuous snowfall, but we are working on restoring connectivity at the earliest."
Over 200 personnel have been deployed for the rescue efforts, with 23 injured individuals evacuated to Joshimath for treatment. “Some have suffered serious injuries, but most are in stable condition,” he added.
CM Dhami also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the rescue operations in the morning and has assured all necessary assistance for the ongoing efforts.
ITBP confirms 47 rescued, 8 still missing
According to ITBP Commandant Vijay Kumar P, out of the 55 people trapped, 47 have been rescued, with two to three in critical condition due to fractures and head injuries.
"They are alive and admitted to Joshimath hospital. Eight people are still missing, and we hope to rescue them by evening," he said.
The operation is being monitored by the IG, with the DIG leading efforts on the ground. Multiple rescue teams are actively working in the affected areas.
Helicopters deployed amid road blockages
Due to blocked roads, authorities have deployed six helicopters for evacuations:
- Three Cheetah helicopters from Indian Army Aviation
- Two Cheetah helicopters from Indian Air Force
- One civil helicopter hired by the Indian Army
So far, 23 of the 47 rescued individuals have been airlifted to Joshimath for medical treatment. One individual succumbed to injuries, while another remains in serious condition.
The Indian Army has successfully rescued more labourers from the Mana Avalanche Site, bringing the total number of evacuees to 48. However, officials have reported that the health condition of some rescued individuals is critical, with one person in serious condition. A huge avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp close to Mana village in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Friday morning, burying 55 workers under snow.
Night-long operation amid harsh conditions
The latest rescue was carried out after relentless overnight efforts by the Army, despite extreme weather conditions. The rescued individuals were immediately transported to the Mana Army Camp, where they are receiving urgent medical aid and further treatment.
Uttarakhand CM Dhami briefs PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to review the ongoing rescue operation in Chamoli's Mana region, where several workers remain trapped following an avalanche.
CM Dhami, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that the Prime Minister inquired about the situation, including the impact of heavy snowfall and rain across the state. Modi assured that the central government would provide all possible assistance to handle any emergency arising from the disaster.
Airlifting of seriously injured workers ordered
CM Dhami further stated that rescue efforts have been intensified with improved weather conditions. He also directed officials to airlift critically injured workers who were rescued earlier and required urgent medical attention.
Dhami heads to ground zero for inspection
The Uttarakhand Chief Minister announced that he was personally heading to Chamoli to assess the situation on the ground. “With the blessings of Lord Badri Vishal and the tireless efforts of the rescue teams, we are making every possible attempt to safely evacuate all trapped workers,” he stated.
Authorities continue to work at full pace, ensuring that those stranded due to the avalanche are rescued at the earliest.
Disaster management confirms number of trapped workers
As per State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, preliminary reports indicated 57 labourers were at the location, but later they found that two of them were on leave, and hence the number of workers trapped was 55.
Rescue operations, conducted by the staff from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been continuing day and night despite bad weather. There are more than 150 troops taking part in the operation.
Workers befogged by seven feet snow
The snow fell over eight containers and a hut, where workers were on duty. Seven feet of snow falling on the place has made things very difficult for the rescue squad. The impacted workers are all from Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
IAF Mi-17 helicopters have been scheduled to join the operation to rescue them on Saturday morning, officials added.
Government rallies into the crisis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah indicated that the government's top priority is rescuing the buried workers. In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), he acknowledged talks with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Directors General of ITBP and NDRF.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured that every available resource is being employed in the rescue operation and referred to the avalanche as "an unfortunate incident."
Severe weather disrupts rescue operations
The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) had given an avalanche warning for high-altitude areas in Uttarakhand, such as Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar, a day prior to the disaster.
With unabated snowfall and rain, authorities have issued a warning of the likelihood of further avalanches in the area. The rescue operations were suspended briefly due to deteriorating weather conditions.
Local authorities on high alert
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a high-level meeting, directing officials to establish a disaster control room in Joshimath and give top priority to the clearance of the Mana helipad for airlifting injured workers. He ensured that the finest medical facilities, including AIIMS Rishikesh, will be provided to the rescued workers.
In the meantime, helpline numbers have been released for the families of the trapped workers, and local authorities are on stand-by as poor weather persists in the area.
The search and rescue efforts will continue as the authorities are working against time to rescue the rest of the workers.
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