Security personnel carry out rescue operations following an avalanche that struck on 28th Feb near Mana, in Chamoli, on Saturday. | Photo Credit: ANI
Dehradun: A massive avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Uttarakhand’s high-altitude Mana village, Chamoli district, burying 55 workers under snow early Friday morning. While 50 labourers have been rescued, four of them succumbed to their injuries on Saturday, and efforts continue to locate the remaining five.
The avalanche hit between 5:30 am and 6 am, engulfing eight containers and a shed used as shelter by the workers. By Friday night, 33 individuals had been pulled to safety, and the rescue operation intensified on Saturday with six helicopters deployed—three from the Indian Army Aviation, two from the Indian Air Force, and a civilian helicopter hired by the Army.
"Fifty labourers have been rescued so far, but tragically, four have been confirmed as fatalities. The search for the remaining five is ongoing," an Army spokesperson stated, emphasizing that injured survivors are being prioritized for evacuation.
Senior Army officials, including Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C Central Command, and Lt Gen D G Mishra, GOC Uttar Bharat Area, have reached the avalanche site to oversee rescue operations. Lt Gen Sengupta noted that road movement is impossible due to heavy snowfall, with the Badrinath-Joshimath highway blocked at 15–20 locations, further complicating relief efforts.
Of the eight containers at the BRO camp, five have been located, with most of the rescued workers found inside them. However, three containers remain unaccounted for, raising concerns about the fate of the missing labourers.
Rescue teams continue to battle harsh conditions, racing against time to save those still trapped under the snow.
With PTI inputs