Uttarakhand Avalanche: Death Toll Rises to 6; MI-17 and Cheetah Helicopters Deployed for Ongoing Rescue Operations

Uttarakhand Avalanche: Mi-17 helicopter is set to airlift the drone-based Intelligent Buried Object detection system for search operations on Sunday in the avalanche affected areas in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district as per Indian Air Force officials.

IAF Cheetah helicopters have been engaged in rescue operations in the Mana area of Chamoli since Saturday in the avalanche that happened at the BRO camp near Mana village in Joshimath on February 28.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that authorities are utilizing advanced technology, such as ground-penetrating radar, thermal imaging cameras, and victim-locating cameras, to detect the missing workers buried under the snow. “Weather conditions in the region have improved, but the risk of further avalanches remains high. As a precautionary measure, work in high-altitude areas has been suspended,” he added.

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Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari provided updates on the ongoing rescue efforts, explaining that initial reports listed 55 workers in the affected area. However, further verification revealed that one worker was on unauthorized leave and safe at home, bringing the total number of affected individuals down to 54. “Out of these, six have lost their lives, and four remain missing,” he said.

The Uttarakhand government also released a detailed report on the avalanche that occurred near the BRO camp at Mana Gate in Joshimath on February 28, 2025.Rescue and relief operations are ongoing at a war footing under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

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As per the report, rescued individuals have been airlifted to Joshimath and are receiving treatment at the Army Hospital. Nearly 200 personnel from disaster management forces, including the Army, ITBP, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, district administration, police, health department, and fire services, are engaged in relief efforts.

The Army helipad near the Mana base camp has been prepared for emergency operations. Heavy snowfall continues to pose challenges, with snow accumulation of 6-7 feet in Badrinath and road closures at multiple locations. Efforts are underway to clear the 5-6 km stretch blocked due to snowfall near Badrinath.

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