Uttarakhand Avalanche: 33 Labourers Rescued, 22 Still Trapped Amid Heavy Snowfall; CM Dhami Briefs HM Shah

Uttarakhand Avalanche: A massive avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) labour camp between Mana and Badrinath, trapping 55 workers inside eight containers and a shed.

Uttarakhand Avalanche: A massive avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) labour camp between Mana and Badrinath early on Friday, trapping 55 workers inside eight containers and a shed. While rescue teams have so far managed to save 33 workers, efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining 22 trapped labourers amid heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.  

Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman informed about the rescued persons in the Chamoli avalanche. "The situation is a bit better now. A rescue operation is underway. Out of 57, two are on leave. Out of the remaining 55, we have rescued 33 people," he told news agency PTI.

According to news agency ANI, the avalanche hit at around 7:15 am on 28 February. The Indian Army’s swift response teams, including over 100 personnel from the Ibex Brigade, were immediately mobilised with doctors, ambulances, and specialised equipment.

Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari, in a self-made video, said that teams from the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed for the rescue operation.  

"Information about an avalanche has been received. Around 57 labourers of BRO (Border Roads Organisation), who undertake snow-clearing operations, had camped there. Our teams have been mobilised - ITBP, SDRF and Administration. There is active rainfall and snowfall activities there. So, we are unable to deploy heli-services. Movement is difficult," Tiwari said.  

He further added that there have been no reports of casualties so far. "Since satellite phones and other such equipment are not available there, we have not been able to have a clear communication with them. But we have not received any official information of any casualty...We are receiving full support from higher authorities. We hope that our team will reach there and rescue them safely," he stated.  

State Disaster Response Force Inspector General of Police Ridhim Agarwal said, "A team of the SDRF has left from Joshimath but due to road blockage in Lambagad, the process of opening the route by contacting the Army is underway. The second team has been kept on alert at Sahasradhara helipad. Exact coordinates of the area have been obtained. As soon as the weather conditions improve, the high-altitude rescue team of SDRF will be dropped by helicopter at the nearest available place."  

She added that the SDRF drone team has also been kept on standby, but heavy snowfall is currently preventing drone operations. BRO Executive Engineer CR Meena acknowledged the challenges, saying, "The rescue operation is being hampered due to heavy snowfall, and the team is facing difficulties. Three to four ambulances have also been sent, but due to heavy snowfall, the rescue team is facing difficulties in reaching there."  

Sandeep Tiwari stated that assistance from the Indian Air Force is being sought, and bunkers in the area are being inspected. 

"Indian Air Force has kept its medium-lift chopper Mi-17 V5s and light helicopters ready for relief operations in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. As soon as the weather conditions improve in the area, the Indian Air Force will be ready to deploy its assets for relief operations in coordination with the local administration," ANI reported citing IAF officials.

Uttarakhand Avalanche: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Briefs Amit Shah

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the incident. Amit Shah has been briefed about the situation in detail. Shah also spoke to Directorate General (DG) ITBP and DG NDRF regarding the avalanche. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a high-level meeting with senior state officials at the State Disaster Control Room to review the ongoing rescue efforts, ANI reported.

Earlier in the day, Dhami posted on X, "Sad news was received about many workers being trapped under an avalanche during the construction work being carried out by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by ITBP, BRO and other rescue teams. I pray for the safety of all the labour brothers."  

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also wrote, "An unfortunate avalanche has occurred in the Mana area of Joshimath (Uttarakhand) today impacting the GREF camp of BRO. Spoke to CM Shri @pushkardhami regarding the situation. The administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected. Rescue efforts by local Army units are also underway. All efforts to rescue the trapped personnel are being undertaken by utilising all available resources."

Meanwhile, heavy snowfall continues to pose challenges as operations remain underway to rescue the remaining trapped workers.