Avalanche in Chamoli: Recovery of Last Missing Worker Raises Death Toll to 8 and Ends Rescue Operation
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The avalanche in Mana, Chamoli, has resulted in a total of eight fatalities, with the last missing worker's body found, prompting the closure of the rescue mission. Authorities have praised the collaborative efforts of various agencies in the rescue operations.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll from the Chamoli avalanche has reached eight.
- Rescue mission concluded after all missing workers found.
- Significant collaboration among multiple agencies aided rescue efforts.
- Advanced technology was utilized in the search operations.
- Warnings issued for potential snowfall and avalanches in high-altitude areas.
Chamoli (Uttarakhand), March 2 (NationPress) The toll from the significant avalanche in the Mana area of Uttarakhand's Chamoli has risen to eight, as authorities confirmed the discovery of the bodies of all four missing workers on Sunday, marking the conclusion of the rescue operation, officials reported.
According to local Brigade commander, Brigadier Mandeep Singh Dhillon, the remains of the last missing worker were recovered from the ice on Sunday evening, raising the death count to eight.
He expressed condolences on behalf of the defence forces to the families of the workers who bravely faced harsh conditions but ultimately fell victim to an unavoidable natural catastrophe. He commended the collaborative efforts among various agencies that successfully rescued the majority of the trapped workers.
Rescue operations recommenced early Sunday morning after favorable weather conditions allowed teams to enhance their search efforts. Helicopters were also utilized to support the mission.
Earlier in the day, rescue teams had located the bodies of three additional missing workers.
The avalanche struck Mana village unexpectedly between 5:30 and 6 a.m. on Friday, burying 55 workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) within eight containers and a shed.
Rapid and coordinated actions by the Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) resulted in the rescue of 46 workers, while one managed to escape independently. Search operations were ongoing for the eight missing workers.
Earlier on Sunday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the Disaster Operations Centre and convened a meeting with officials to monitor the ongoing rescue efforts in Chamoli. He stated, "We are employing advanced technologies, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), thermal imaging cameras, and victim-locating devices, to assist in the search."
"The favorable weather today is advantageous, but high alert warnings have been issued for tomorrow. Individuals working in high-altitude locations have been advised to cease operations due to the potential for snowfall and avalanches," he remarked.
"Our priority is to locate the missing workers promptly. The Army, ITBP, NDRF, district administration, disaster management teams, BRO, and the Air Force are collaborating effectively. The Health Department is also actively participating in the operations," Dhami added.
The Chief Minister noted that efforts are underway to restore communication and electric supply in the impacted regions.
The extensive rescue initiative, which involved several agencies -- including the Army, the ITBP, the NDRF, the SDRF, the BRO, the Health Department, the local administration, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), and the Indian Air Force -- persisted despite obstacles presented by challenging terrain and severe weather conditions.
