Uttarakhand avalanche: 4 dead, 50 rescued and five workers still missing
PTC Web Desk: Rescue operations continue in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district after an avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village on Friday morning. As per the latest update, 4 are dead, 50 have been rescued and five workers are still missing.
Over 65 personnel braved severe snowstorms and seven-foot-deep snow to carry out overnight rescue efforts. The urgency has increased as the Meteorological Department has issued fresh warnings of rain and snowfall in Chamoli and several other districts including Dehradun, Uttarkashi, and Nainital.
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) released a list of missing workers, who hail from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. The avalanche, which struck between 5. 30 am and 6 am, buried the BRO camp in Mana, situated at 3,200 metre above sea level.
The Army’s Ibex Brigade, trained for high-altitude rescues, was mobilised alongside National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and medical personnel. The Indian Air Force’s Mi-17 helicopters joined rescue efforts, while the Mana helipad was activated, leading to the evacuation of 14 civilians, one of whom is critical.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall has also impacted Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. In Himachal, 583 roads, including five highways, are blocked, while in Jammu & Kashmir, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway remains shut for the third consecutive day, stranding hundreds of vehicles.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring rescue efforts, and helpline numbers have been issued for assistance.
- With inputs from agencies
