Chamoli Avalanche: 14 Additional Workers Rescued as Search Efforts Persist
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Synopsis
Rescue teams in Chamoli have successfully saved 14 more workers trapped by heavy snow after a significant avalanche hit a Border Roads Organisation camp. A total of 47 workers have been rescued, with ongoing efforts to locate the remaining 8 workers as authorities focus on aerial operations.
Key Takeaways
- 14 workers rescued from snow in Chamoli
- Ongoing search for 8 more workers
- Heavy snowfall complicates ground access
- Heli-rescue missions deployed by IAF
- Over 150 personnel involved in rescue efforts
Chamoli, March 1 (NationPress) Rescue teams ramped up their efforts on Saturday by successfully extracting 14 more workers trapped beneath a thick layer of snow following a significant avalanche that hit a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Friday morning.
A total of 47 workers have been saved so far, while the search for the remaining 8 workers is ongoing, with operations being conducted on a war footing.
Due to heavy snowfall, road access beyond Lam Bagad has been obstructed, leading authorities to concentrate entirely on aerial rescue operations. Two Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 helicopters have been deployed for heli-rescue missions from Joshimath Base Camp to Badrinath Dham.
One helicopter has already completed its mission, bringing rescued workers to the Army Hospital in Joshimath, while the other continues its operations. The 14 recently rescued workers are being transported to the Army Hospital in Badrinath for necessary medical care.
The rescue mission, despite challenging weather conditions, is being carried out tirelessly by teams from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Over 150 personnel are engaged in the mission, working tirelessly to locate and extract those still trapped beneath the snow.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been closely following the developments. On Thursday, he assessed the ongoing rescue operations and instructed officials to airlift critically injured workers to advanced medical facilities.
In a post on X, Dhami remarked, “With the weather improving, relief and rescue operations have accelerated. With the blessings of Lord Badri Vishal and the diligent efforts of the rescue workers, every possible measure is being implemented to ensure the safety of the trapped workers.”
The Chief Minister also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for offering full support from the Centre.
“Respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji communicated with me and sought information about the rescue initiatives aimed at safely evacuating the workers trapped in Mana of Chamoli district,” he stated.
“He also gathered detailed information regarding the state’s rain and snowfall situation. During this interaction, the Prime Minister assured that the central government would provide all necessary assistance to address any emergencies,” he added.
The avalanche buried eight containers and a hut that housed workers involved in road construction. Approximately seven feet of snow has accumulated in the affected area, significantly complicating rescue operations.
The trapped workers come from Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
With operations in full swing, authorities remain optimistic about rescuing the remaining workers soon as efforts persist against all odds.
