Dehradun, March 1: Rescue teams pulled out 14 more labourers trapped under heavy snow following an avalanche at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Saturday, officials confirmed. Eight workers remain missing as the rescue operation continues amid fluctuating weather conditions.
The avalanche occurred early on Friday between 5:30 am and 6 am, engulfing eight containers and a shed at the BRO site located between Mana and Badrinath. Initially, 55 workers were trapped in the incident, of whom 33 had been rescued by Friday night. With the latest recovery, the total number of rescued workers now stands at 47.
Adverse Weather Conditions Affect Rescue Efforts
Efforts to rescue the trapped labourers faced severe challenges due to heavy rain and snowfall, forcing officials to suspend operations overnight. As weather conditions improved on Saturday morning, Army helicopters joined ground rescue teams comprising Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel.However, Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari warned that deteriorating weather conditions could once again slow down operations. Despite this, he expressed optimism, saying, "Army helicopters are making regular sorties. If the weather stays favourable, we will soon locate and rescue the remaining eight labourers."
Condition of the Rescued Labourers
Eleven rescued labourers have been admitted to the Army hospital in Jyotirmath. According to medical authorities, one worker remains in critical condition, several others have sustained fractures, and the rest have minor injuries. Specialist doctors are conducting necessary medical examinations, with most patients reported to be stable.Government Authorities Closely Monitor Situation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the avalanche-hit region and reviewed rescue operations on Saturday. During his survey, Dhami interacted with an injured worker who was being airlifted to Jyotirmath for treatment.Taking to social media platform X, Chief Minister Dhami wrote, "Took stock of the situation by conducting an aerial survey of the avalanche area near Mana in Chamoli district." He further instructed officials to expedite rescue operations, emphasizing that the state government is fully dedicated to ensuring worker safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Offers Full Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly with Chief Minister Dhami, assuring full support from the central government to handle the emergency. Dhami said on X, "Respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke on the phone and took information about the rescue operation...He also sought detailed information on the current rain and snowfall conditions in the state."Prime Minister Modi pledged that the central government will extend all necessary assistance to Uttarakhand during this crisis.
Strategic Location and Significance of Mana Village
Mana, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,200 metres, is strategically positioned just three kilometres from Badrinath. It is the last Indian village on the India-Tibet border, adding to the complexity of rescue operations given the challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions.Search and rescue teams continue to tirelessly comb through snow and debris to locate the remaining workers.
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