Chamoli Avalanche: Casualties Rise to 7; Search for One Missing Worker Continues
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Synopsis
The death toll from the Chamoli avalanche in Uttarakhand's Mana region has reached seven, with rescue teams recovering three bodies recently. Efforts are ongoing to locate one missing worker as authorities deploy advanced technology and coordination among multiple agencies.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll rises to seven in Chamoli avalanche.
- Rescue teams continue to search for one missing worker.
- Rescue operations involve multiple agencies, including the Army and ITBP.
- Advanced technology is being utilized for search efforts.
- Communications and power restoration efforts are underway.
Chamoli, March 2 (NationPress) The number of fatalities from the Chamoli avalanche in Uttarakhand's Mana region has tragically risen to seven, as rescue personnel recovered three additional bodies on Sunday. The search continues for one remaining missing worker.
This brings the total number of individuals who have been accounted for to 53, which includes the seven deceased workers.
Earlier today, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the Disaster Operations Centre and held discussions with officials to monitor the ongoing rescue efforts in Chamoli.
Rescue operations were reinitiated early Sunday morning as favorable weather conditions allowed teams to enhance their search operations. Helicopters have also been mobilized to support the mission.
The avalanche, which hit Mana village on Friday night, initially ensnared 55 workers. Rapid and coordinated actions from the Army, ITBP, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) led to the successful rescue of 46 workers. However, four workers have tragically lost their lives, and four are still unaccounted for.
CM Dhami further remarked, "We are utilizing advanced technology, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), thermal imaging cameras, and victim-locating cameras, to facilitate the search."
"Today's clear weather is advantageous for us, but high alert warnings have been issued for tomorrow. Those engaged in high-altitude work are advised to cease operations due to the imminent risk of snowfall and avalanches," he added.
"Our main focus 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 actively involved in the rescue operations," Dhami stated.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that efforts are underway to restore communication and power in the impacted areas.
"Numerous villages have been isolated, and arrangements for food supplies are being made. Power has been disrupted in five blocks, but partial restoration has been accomplished. Since the affected site is near Mana, all forms of communication have been interrupted, and efforts are ongoing to reestablish connectivity," he said.
The avalanche occurred between 5:30 and 6:00 AM on Friday, burying 55 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers in eight containers and a shed.
The extensive rescue operation, involving multiple agencies—including the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, BRO, Health Department, local administration, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), and the Indian Air Force—continues despite obstacles such as challenging terrain and severe weather conditions.
Rescue teams are diligently working, and while no further casualties have been reported, the primary focus remains on locating the missing workers.
