Uttarakhand Avalanche: 41 Workers Trapped Amid Heavy Snowfall; Rescue Operations Hampered

Uttarakhand Avalanche: A massive avalanche struck over a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) labour camp located between Mana and Badrinath at early morning on Friday, trapping 57 workers inside 8 containers and a shed. While 16 of them have so far managed to be rescued, operations to rescue another 41 trapped labourers continue amid heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the latest figures, stating, "57 of the BRO workers were trapped in the avalanche, out of which 16 workers have been rescued. All preparations have been made. We are taking help from the ITBP. The district administration and all others are in touch, and we are trying to rescue all as soon as possible."

News agency ANI quoted the Indian Army swift response teams, including over 100 personnel from the Ibex Brigade, who were mobilised immediately with doctors, ambulances, and special equipment after the avalanche hit at around 715 am on 28 February.

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Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari avowed in a self-recorded video that teams of the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been stretched out to join in the effort and facilitate extraction.

"Information about an avalanche has been received. Around 57 labourers of BRO (Border Roads Organisation), who undertake snow-clearing operations, had camped there. Our teams have been mobilised - ITBP, SDRF and Administration. There is active rainfall and snowfall activities there. So, we are unable to deploy heli-services. Movement is difficult," Tiwari said.

He further stated that there are no reports connected to casualties at the moment. "Since satellite phones and other such equipment are not available there, we have not been able to have a clear communication with them. But we have not received any official information of any casualty...We are receiving full support from higher authorities. We hope that our team will reach there and rescue them safely," he stated.

State Disaster Response Force Inspector General of Police Ridhim Agarwal said, "A team of the SDRF has left from Joshimath but due to road blockage in Lambagad, the process of opening the route by contacting the Army is underway. The second team has been kept on alert at Sahasradhara helipad. Exact coordinates of the area have been obtained. As soon as the weather conditions improve, the high-altitude rescue team of SDRF will be dropped by helicopter at the nearest available place."

She added that the SDRF drone team has also been put on standby; at the moment, however, huge snowfall is not allowing the drones to fly. BRO Executive Engineer CR Meena admitted difficulties, "The rescue operation is being hampered due to heavy snowfall, and the team is facing difficulties. Three to four ambulances have also been sent, but due to heavy snowfall, the rescue team is facing difficulties in reaching there."

Sandeep Tiwari said that the Indian Air Force is also being contacted for assistance in this regard, and areas are being surveyed for bunkers nearby.

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Uttarakhand Avalanche: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Briefs Amit Shah

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the incident. Amit Shah has also been apprised of the situation in a detailed manner. The Shah also spoke to Directorate General (DG) ITBP and DG NDRF after the avalanche. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a high-level meeting with senior state officials at the State Disaster Control Room to review the ongoing rescue efforts. ANI reported.

Earlier in the day, Dhami posted on X, "Sad news was received about many workers being trapped under an avalanche during the construction work being carried out by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by ITBP, BRO and other rescue teams. I pray for the safety of all the labour brothers."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also wrote, "An unfortunate avalanche has occurred in the Mana area of Joshimath (Uttarakhand) today impacting the GREF camp of BRO. Spoke to CM Shri @pushkardhami regarding the situation. The administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected. Rescue efforts by local Army units are also underway. All efforts to rescue the trapped personnel are being undertaken by utilising all available resources."

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