Avalanche Incident in Uttarakhand's Chamoli District
An avalanche occurred at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) project site near Mana, India's "first" village, in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. The event trapped several workers and initiated a large-scale rescue effort by multiple agencies.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
- By Friday evening, 33 out of 55 trapped workers were declared safe.
- Rescue operations face challenges due to poor visibility and a snowstorm.
- Involved agencies include the Army's Garhwal 9 Brigade, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the BRO.
- Four National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were deployed as reinforcements.
- The State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) faced delays reaching the site due to adverse weather.
Details of the Incident
- The incident took place between Mana village and Mana Pass, near the Indo-Tibetan border.
- Initial reports suggested 57 workers were present, but a review confirmed 55.
- 33 workers have been rescued, of which 22 escaped to Badrinath.
- Missing workers are from various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Support and Coordination
- SDMA has requested the Indian Air Force to deploy MI-17 helicopters for the rescue.
- ITBP helipad in Mana and heliports in Joshimath, Ravigram, and Govindghat are being prepared for aerial operations.
- Continuous snowfall and rain are hampering movements, with ambulances dispatched for assistance.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah is monitoring the situation and has assured central government support.
Statements and Future Actions
- Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the challenges posed by bad weather on rescue operations.
- A helpline has been established for the affected region, with coordination ongoing with central government officials.
- Injured workers are being treated at the ITBP hospital in Mana, with additional preparations at Srinagar Medical College and Rishikesh AIIMS.
- Efforts are being made to resume large-scale rescue operations once weather conditions improve.
