As rescue operations continue for the 22 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers still trapped under an avalanche near Mana village in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Saturday that he will visit the site for an on-site inspection.
“In the morning, through telephone, I took detailed information about the relief and rescue operation being carried out to rescue the workers trapped in the avalanche near Mana. I have instructed the officials to airlift the seriously injured workers who were rescued yesterday to a higher center. I am also leaving for Chamoli for an on-site inspection,” CM Dhami posted on X.
With the weather clearing up, Dhami stated that relief and rescue operations have been expedited. “With the blessings of Lord Badri and the tireless efforts of rescue workers, efforts are being made to rescue all the workers trapped in the snow as soon as possible,” he added.
Three injured individuals have already been evacuated to the Military Hospital in Joshimath, and helicopter services have begun to assist in the evacuation process.
Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman confirmed the swift pace of rescue and relief operations, with the Chief Minister actively monitoring the situation. “Inclement weather persists there. The Chief Minister is continuously monitoring the situation. He visited the control room twice yesterday and sought a detailed update on everything. Rescue and relief operations are taking place swiftly,” Suman told ANI.
Efforts remain focused on rescuing the remaining 22 trapped workers. “33 out of 55 people were rescued until yesterday. 22 people still remain to be rescued. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing for them,” Suman added.
More than 200 personnel are on standby, ready to be deployed if needed. Currently, four helicopters are operational, with one Mi-17 helicopter from the Indian Air Force on standby, awaiting improved weather conditions. Snow-clearing operations are also ongoing near Mana to prepare a new helipad, which is expected to further speed up the evacuation process once completed.
The Uttarakhand government has issued helpline numbers for those seeking assistance or information related to the avalanche. The helpline numbers, operated through the state emergency operation centre of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, are: Mobile: 8218867005, 9058441404; Telephone: 0135 2664315; Toll-Free: 1070.
