Dehradun, Feb 28 – In a massive rescue operation following an avalanche in Mana, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, 33 of the 55 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers trapped under snow have been rescued. However, concerns are mounting over the fate of the remaining 22 as harsh weather forced rescue operations to halt temporarily.
Rescue Efforts Amid Extreme Conditions
Uttarakhand’s Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman confirmed the latest figures, correcting earlier reports that initially stated 57 workers were caught in the avalanche. It was later verified that two workers were on leave at the time of the incident.Despite the challenging conditions, over 65 personnel are engaged in the rescue mission. The avalanche struck early Friday morning, burying the BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath under seven feet of snow. The first batch of 10 workers was rescued quickly, followed by others. However, four of those saved are in critical condition and are receiving treatment at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp in Mana.
The trapped workers belong to various states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority has released a list of 10 identified labourers without specifying their home states.
Operation Challenges and Bad Weather Threat
With nightfall and continuous snowfall, the rescue efforts have been suspended temporarily due to the high risk of further avalanches. The avalanche site remains dangerous, as two smaller slides followed the initial snowslide.Teams from the Army’s Ibex Brigade, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and ITBP were dispatched to the site. However, worsening conditions have delayed reinforcements. Chamoli’s Disaster Management Officer N K Joshi stated that external teams were hindered by heavy snowfall en route to the location.
The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) in Chandigarh had issued an avalanche warning for Chamoli and nearby districts on Thursday evening, citing potential threats above 2,400 metres. Additionally, the MeT department in Dehradun had forecasted heavy rain and snowfall for high-altitude areas.
Government's Swift Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that rescuing the trapped workers remains a top priority. He confirmed discussions with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, as well as heads of ITBP and NDRF. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reassured that all resources are being mobilized for the mission.The NDRF has deployed four teams to Chamoli, with another four on standby. Two of these teams were rerouted from a training exercise in Joshimath, about 50 km from Mana.
Military and Air Force Support
Brigade Commander Mandeep Dhillon detailed that seven officers, 17 junior commissioned officers (JCOs), and 150 soldiers have been engaged in non-stop rescue work since 8 AM. Three specialized doctors and four ambulances are on-site to provide immediate medical aid.The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Mi-17 helicopters are set to join the rescue efforts on Saturday morning to expedite the search-and-recovery operation.
High-Risk Avalanche Zone and Local Insights
Local residents from Mana village noted that the area is prone to avalanches in winter, and the BRO camp is usually shut down during the season. However, less snowfall earlier this year led to the camp remaining operational.Mana village head Pitambar Singh confirmed that the unexpected snowfall led to workers getting trapped. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren also acknowledged that some of the missing workers are from Jharkhand, though their exact number is unknown.
State Government Takes Emergency Measures
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a disaster control room in Joshimath and directed teams to prioritize clearing snow from affected areas. He has also instructed officials to take special care of the rescued workers.The Mana helipad is being prepared for air evacuations, with critical patients set to be transported to AIIMS Rishikesh via air ambulances if necessary. State emergency helpline numbers are being issued for families of the affected workers.
Authorities remain on high alert as the MeT department predicts further heavy snowfall and rain, potentially complicating rescue efforts. The safe evacuation of all trapped workers remains the government’s top priority.
Key Takeaways:
- 33 BRO workers rescued, 22 still trapped after an avalanche in Mana, Chamoli.
- Rescue efforts halted due to worsening weather; risk of further avalanches.
- Four critically injured workers receiving medical care at ITBP camp.
- Over 65 personnel, including Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF, engaged in rescue operations.
- IAF’s Mi-17 helicopters to join operations on Saturday morning.
- State government mobilizes emergency resources, setting up a control room in Joshimath.
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