Avalanche in Chamoli: CM Dhami Monitors Rescue Efforts
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Synopsis
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami visits Disaster Operations Centre to monitor search efforts for four missing workers trapped in Mana village avalanche. Rescue operations are ongoing with advanced technology deployed.
Key Takeaways
- CM Dhami visited the Disaster Operations Centre.
- Four workers remain trapped under snow.
- Rescue efforts are ongoing with advanced technology.
- Clear weather has improved search conditions.
- High alert warnings issued for tomorrow.
Chamoli, March 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, visited the Disaster Operations Centre on Sunday to assess the ongoing rescue operations in Chamoli, where four workers are trapped under the snow following an avalanche in Mana village.
Rescue efforts recommenced early Sunday morning as improved weather conditions permitted teams to enhance their search efforts. Helicopters have also been mobilized to support the mission.
The avalanche hit Mana village on Friday night, initially entrapping 55 workers. Prompt and coordinated actions by the Army, ITBP, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) resulted in the rescue of 46 workers. Unfortunately, four workers lost their lives, and four are still unaccounted for.
While addressing the media, CM Dhami remarked, "So far, fifty individuals have been rescued, of which four have died. The search operation continues for the four missing workers."
He added, "We are utilizing advanced technology, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), thermal imaging cameras, and victim-locating cameras to enhance our search capabilities."
"The favorable weather today is beneficial, but high alert warnings have been issued for tomorrow. Workers in high-altitude regions have been urged to suspend operations due to the heightened risk of snowfall and avalanches," he stated.
CM Dhami emphasized that the primary goal is to locate the four missing workers quickly. 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 efforts.
He also mentioned that steps are being taken to restore communication and power in the impacted areas.
"Many villages are isolated, and arrangements for food supplies are ongoing. Power was disrupted in five blocks, but partial restoration has been completed. The affected site near Mana has experienced total communication breakdown, and efforts are being made to restore connectivity," he stated.
The avalanche occurred between 5:30 and 6:00 AM on Friday, burying 55 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers within eight containers and a shed.
The extensive rescue operation, involving multiple agencies such as the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, BRO, Health Department, local administration, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), and the Indian Air Force, continues despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and severe weather.
Rescue teams are diligently working, and although no further casualties have been reported, the focus remains on finding the missing workers.
