Lagatar24 Desk
Dehradun: A massive avalanche struck the high-altitude Mana village in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, on Friday, burying a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp under heavy snow. Rescue teams have saved 32 of the 57 trapped workers, while adverse weather conditions have slowed operations.
Key Updates on the Uttarakhand Avalanche
• The avalanche buried a BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath, trapping 57 workers under snow. So far, 32 have been rescued.
• Mana village is located three kilometers from Badrinath and is the last village on the India-Tibet border, situated at 3,200 meters altitude.
• Heavy snowfall and rain blocked roads leading to the accident site, making rescue operations extremely difficult.
• Rescue work was halted due to bad weather and the threat of further avalanches in the region. Operations will resume once conditions improve.
• Two additional mild avalanches hit the area after the initial disaster, forcing rescue teams to pause efforts temporarily. The location is prone to avalanches during winter.
• The Mana village head stated that, in previous years, the BRO camp was shifted to Badrinath during winter. This year, it was not relocated due to less snowfall, leading to the current crisis.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that helicopters could not be used due to the inclement weather. He assured that the PMO and Home Ministry are closely monitoring the situation.
• Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Suman informed that a 65-member rescue team was deployed but faced continuous snowfall. Rescued workers are being treated at the ITBP hospital in Mana.
• The Uttarakhand government issued emergency helplines for information and assistance: 8218867005, 9058441404, 0135 2664315.
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated that the Army and local administration are making all efforts to rescue the trapped personnel using all available resources.
