Chamoli Avalanche: PM Modi Reviews Rescue Operations as CM Dhami Arrives in Joshimath
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Synopsis
On March 1, Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Dhami coordinated efforts to rescue workers trapped in an avalanche in Chamoli's Mana region, where a BRO camp was buried. Rescue operations are ongoing, with over 150 personnel working tirelessly despite harsh weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi communicates with CM Dhami regarding rescue efforts.
- 47 workers rescued so far; search continues for remaining eight.
- Injured workers airlifted to Army Hospital in Joshimath.
- Rescue teams operating under challenging conditions with aerial support.
- Authorities remain hopeful for the rescue of all workers.
Chamoli, March 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday to evaluate the rescue operations currently taking place in the Mana area of Chamoli. An avalanche has buried a camp belonging to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), leaving 55 workers trapped.
As of now, 47 workers have been successfully rescued, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining eight. The injured individuals have been airlifted to the Army Hospital in Joshimath for urgent medical care.
CM Dhami expressed his appreciation to PM Modi for the full backing of the Centre, stating on X, "I spoke with respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to gather information about the ongoing rescue efforts to safely evacuate the workers trapped in Mana, Chamoli district."
"He also inquired in detail about the current weather conditions with regard to rain and snowfall in the state. The Prime Minister assured that the central government would extend all possible support to handle any emergencies," the Chief Minister further mentioned.
Dhami arrived in Joshimath from Dehradun to monitor the situation firsthand and assessed the condition of the injured at the helipad prior to their transfer to the Army Hospital.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly on Saturday, extracting 14 additional workers from beneath the heavy snow. With roads beyond Lam Bagad blocked by snowfall, authorities have concentrated their efforts on aerial rescue operations.
Two Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 helicopters have been deployed for rescue missions from the Joshimath Base Camp to Badrinath Dham. One helicopter continues its operations while the recently rescued workers are being taken to the Army Hospital.
Despite severe weather, over 150 personnel from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are dedicatedly working on the mission.
CM Dhami has been closely observing the circumstances, instructing officials to airlift critically injured workers to advanced medical facilities. He wrote on X, "With the weather clearing, relief and rescue operations have accelerated. With the blessings of Lord Badri Vishal and the relentless efforts of rescue workers, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the trapped workers."
Lieutenant Manoj Srivastava, PRO Defence, informed IANS, "As per the latest updates, the weather conditions surrounding Joshimath and Mana have improved today. The Indian Army has engaged three civil helicopters to facilitate the evacuation of the injured smoothly."
"Rescue operations are actively proceeding, and we are hopeful that the remaining eight workers will be rescued soon," he added.
The avalanche has buried eight containers and a hut where the workers engaged in road construction were residing. Almost seven feet of snow has blanketed the area, complicating rescue efforts significantly. The trapped workers are from Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Authorities remain optimistic about the rescue of the remaining workers as operations persist despite challenging conditions.
