Lagatar24 Desk
Dehradun: A devastating avalanche in Mana village, Chamoli district trapped 55 workers of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under heavy snow on Friday. So far, 49 have been rescued, while one injured worker has succumbed to injuries. The search operation for six missing workers is still ongoing, with six helicopters deployed for rescue efforts.
Rescue Operation in Full Swing
• Chamoli DM Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that the rescue operation is underway, with 49 workers successfully saved.
• 27 rescued individuals have been shifted to Jyotirmath, while 22 others are being treated at Mana Army Hospital.
• The situation remains challenging due to blocked roads, but officials hope to clear the route to Badrinath soon.
Army and Air Force Intensify Search & Rescue Efforts
• The Indian Army’s IBEX Brigade, along with three Indian Army Cheetah helicopters, two Indian Air Force Cheetah helicopters, and a civilian helicopter hired by the Army, is actively involved in rescue efforts.
• Lt. Col. Manish Srivastava (PRO, Defence, Dehradun) stated that expert teams are working tirelessly to ensure no worker is left behind.
• Despite extreme weather conditions, the rescue team’s determination remains strong.
Uttarakhand CM May Visit Avalanche Site
• Reports suggest Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami may visit the avalanche site to assess the situation.
• According to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, the trapped workers hail from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
• Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman confirmed that the site has seven feet of accumulated snow, making rescue operations highly challenging.
• Over 65 personnel are engaged in rescue operations in Mana village, located 3,200 meters above sea level, near the India-Tibet border.
