Avalanche Crisis: Uttarakhand CM Directs Rescue Efforts
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Synopsis
An avalanche near Mana prompted a significant rescue operation led by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, as multiple agencies work tirelessly to save trapped laborers from the Border Roads Organisation. The CM is overseeing operations and coordinating with local authorities to ensure a swift response.
Key Takeaways
- Uttarakhand CM leads rescue operations after avalanche.
- 57 laborers from BRO initially reported trapped.
- Rescue teams faced harsh weather conditions.
- 32 workers rescued by 5:00 pm.
- Plans for aerial rescue operations underway.
Dehradun, Feb 28 (NationPress) An avalanche near Mana instigated a large-scale rescue operation, spearheaded by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. With deep concern for the safety of those trapped, he took prompt action, mobilizing resources and overseeing every aspect of the rescue.
On Friday, an avalanche hit the high-altitude border village of Mana in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, burying several laborers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) who were engaged in snow clearance. Initially, 57 workers were reported trapped under the snow, as they routinely perform snow removal for army passage towards the Tibet border.
As per Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari, the avalanche engulfed a BRO camp situated between Mana and Badrinath. Rescue teams encountered difficult circumstances, including tough terrain, heavy snowfall, and rain, while they tirelessly worked to rescue the trapped laborers. Thankfully, there have been no confirmed casualties to date.
By Friday evening, the Chief Minister was present at the State Emergency Operations Center at USDMA, ensuring that relief operations were proceeding efficiently. The rescue activities involved multiple agencies—the Army, ITBP (Indian Tibetan Border Police), NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), SDRF, BRO, Health Department, local administration, UCADA (Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority), and the Air Force—working collaboratively.
The Chief Minister received updates from District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari, who urged him to spare no effort in rescuing everyone still stranded.
The Chief Minister intends to visit the disaster site, dubbed "ground zero," on Saturday, contingent on favorable weather. He has authorized helicopters from the Air Force, UCADA, and private operators to join the “heli-rescue” initiative starting Saturday morning, stressing the urgency and resolve needed in the rescue efforts.
Earlier on Friday, the Chief Minister visited the operations center twice—once at 2:00 pm and again at 8:05 pm—to evaluate the progress. He directed the Disaster Management Secretary to expedite the operation, ensuring that all agencies operate in harmony.
To enhance coordination, he instructed the clearing of the helipad at Badrinath with assistance from the Army, ITBP, and BRO, and called for the establishment of a control room in Joshimath for effective coordination.
Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, clarified that while initial reports indicated 57 workers were trapped, the total was revised to 55 as two workers were on leave. By 5:00 pm, 32 workers had been successfully rescued, with another saved later that night, bringing the total to 33.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining 22 workers. A comprehensive list of affected individuals has been prepared to ensure accuracy and accountability.
This operation is a united effort against time, highlighting coordination, resilience, and hope as everyone strives to bring all trapped workers to safety.
Mana, situated three kilometers from Badrinath, is the final village on the India-Tibet border at an elevation of 3,200 meters.
