Dehradun, March 1: A tragic avalanche engulfed a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near the high-altitude village of Mana in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, claiming the life of one labourer and leaving five others trapped. Rescue teams, racing against time, have successfully pulled out 49 labourers alive from beneath the snow.
The avalanche struck between 5:30 am and 6 am on Friday, burying 55 workers who were inside eight containers and a shed at the BRO camp located between Mana village and the holy town of Badrinath. By Friday night, 33 workers had already been rescued.
Efforts to reach those trapped were severely hampered on Friday by heavy rain and snowfall, forcing rescuers to suspend operations overnight. However, clearer weather conditions on Saturday morning enabled Army helicopters to join the rescue efforts, intensifying the operation.
Rescue Operation Gains Momentum Amid Improving Weather
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the affected area on Saturday, personally assessing the situation. He directed local officials to expedite rescue efforts to ensure rapid and effective relief for those affected.Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Dhami, expressing solidarity and pledging full support from the central government. Modi sought detailed information regarding the rescue operations, weather conditions, and ongoing emergency measures.
Injured Workers Receiving Medical Attention
Eleven of the rescued workers were immediately transported to the Army hospital in Jyotirmath, where specialist doctors are attending to them. Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari said one labourer is in critical condition, several others sustained fractures, and the rest have minor injuries. All except one worker have stable vitals, and thorough medical examinations are ongoing.Weather Challenges Persist
Despite improved conditions on Saturday morning, authorities warn the weather is once again deteriorating. This could potentially impact ongoing rescue operations. Nevertheless, the Army continues helicopter sorties, with authorities optimistic about swiftly rescuing the five remaining trapped labourers, provided the weather remains favourable.Chief Minister Dhami, who personally interacted with an injured labourer being airlifted for medical treatment, reaffirmed the government's commitment to prioritising workers' safety.
Strategic Importance of Mana Village
Mana, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,200 metres, is the last Indian village near the India-Tibet border and is located just three kilometres from Badrinath. The BRO camp in Mana plays a critical role in maintaining connectivity and border infrastructure in this strategic high-altitude region.As rescue operations continue, state and central agencies remain on high alert, aiming to minimise casualties and swiftly aid those affected by the disaster.
