Chamoli, Uttarakhand — Fourteen out of the remaining 22 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers trapped under several feet of snow in Mana village, Uttarakhand, were successfully rescued on Saturday morning, as the weather cleared. However, the search and rescue operation continues, with five workers still unaccounted for. Tragically, four of the fifty workers rescued so far have been confirmed dead.
The disaster struck on Friday morning, when a glacial lake near Mana village, close to the Badrinath Dham, suddenly burst, sending massive debris rushing through the area. At least 55 BRO workers were trapped by the avalanche, with 33 initially rescued. Harsh weather conditions, including rain and snowfall, hampered rescue efforts, forcing authorities to suspend operations overnight.
Helicopter Rescue Operation Intensifies
In response to the unfolding emergency, six helicopters have been mobilized for rescue operations. These include three Cheetah helicopters from the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps, two from the Indian Air Force, and one civilian helicopter hired by the Indian Army. The swift deployment of air support has proven vital in reaching the stranded workers and evacuating the injured.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the avalanche-affected area and met with the rescued workers at the Joshimath Army Helipad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation and has received regular updates from CM Dhami regarding the ongoing rescue efforts.
Earlier in the day, CM Dhami took to social media to express his concern and update the public. “With the weather clearing up, relief and rescue operations have been expedited,” he posted. “With the blessings of Lord Badri and the tireless efforts of rescue workers, efforts are being made to rescue all the workers trapped in the snow as soon as possible.”
Efforts to Evacuate the Injured
Three of the rescued workers have been airlifted to a military hospital in Joshimath for medical treatment. The weather conditions, although improving, continue to pose challenges for the rescue teams. Chamoli District Disaster Management Officer N.K. Joshi confirmed that the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel stationed in Mana are actively continuing the rescue operations.
List of Trapped Workers Released
The trapped workers hail from various states across India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority has released the names of all 55 workers involved, with local authorities working to coordinate the next steps in the ongoing search.
Relief and Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman provided an update on the swift progress of the relief and rescue operations, despite ongoing inclement weather. “The Chief Minister is continuously monitoring the situation,” he said. “More than 200 personnel are ready to be dispatched to the site, and additional helicopters are on standby. The weather in Joshimath is clearing, and efforts are underway to set up a new helipad near Mana, as the current one is covered with snow.”
Continued Vigilance and Hope
While the situation remains tense, authorities are optimistic that with improved weather conditions, the remaining trapped workers will be rescued soon. The tireless efforts of the rescue teams and the support of the Indian Army, Air Force, and ITBP have been crucial in the ongoing operation.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by workers involved in infrastructure projects in such extreme conditions, and the coordinated efforts between various agencies are seen as a lifeline for those still trapped under the snow.
