Mana, Uttarakhand – The high-altitude region of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district is gripped by a tense rescue operation as authorities race against time to locate nine workers still trapped under a massive avalanche. Complicating the already perilous situation, weather forecasts predict further rain and snowfall, raising concerns about increased risks for rescue teams.
The avalanche, which struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village, close to the Indo-Tibetan border, on Friday morning, initially trapped 57 construction workers. As of latest reports, a significant number of workers have been rescued, but the search for the remaining individuals continues with urgency.
Rescue Efforts Underway:
- Multi-Agency Operation:
- The rescue operation is a coordinated effort involving the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
- Over 150 personnel are working tirelessly in the challenging terrain, battling heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
- Challenges:
- The affected area is covered in several feet of snow, making it extremely difficult to locate and extract the trapped workers.
- Inclement weather, including predicted rain and snowfall, poses a significant threat to rescue operations and could trigger further avalanches.
- The location of the accident is at a high altitude, making the rescue efforts even more difficult.
- Aerial Support:
- Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 helicopters have been deployed to assist in the rescue operation, facilitating the evacuation of rescued workers and transporting essential supplies.
- Helicopter operations are also being used to access locations that are cut off by the heavy snowfall.
- Medical Assistance:
- Medical teams are on standby to provide immediate care to rescued workers, with those requiring critical treatment being airlifted to advanced medical facilities.
Weather Concerns:
- The India Meteorological Department has issued alerts for rain and snowfall in the Chamoli district, further compounding the difficulties faced by rescue teams.
- The potential for increased snowfall raises the risk of additional avalanches, posing a serious threat to the safety of rescue personnel.
- The rain also brings risk of further instability to the snow pack, which could lead to further slides.
Government Response:
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the rescue operations and has assured that all possible resources are being deployed to locate the missing workers.
- The central government has also extended its full support, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah receiving updates on the situation and offering assistance.
- The Uttarakhand government has established helpline numbers for people to get information and assistance.
Community Impact:
- The incident has caused widespread concern in the region, with local communities expressing solidarity and support for the rescue efforts.
- The location of the incident, near the village of Mana, which is the last village on the Indian side of the border with Tibet, adds to the complexity of the rescue.
Key Points:
- Rescue operations are ongoing in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district after a major avalanche.
- Multiple agencies are involved in the search for nine workers still trapped.
- Adverse weather conditions, including rain and snowfall, are posing significant challenges.
- The government is providing full support to the rescue efforts.
The situation remains critical, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to bring the remaining workers to safety.
