The body of one more missing individual from the avalanche that struck near Mana village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on February 28 has been recovered by the Army, an official reported on Sunday.
With this latest recovery, the death toll from the avalanche has risen to five. Efforts to locate the remaining three missing individuals are ongoing, with search and rescue teams working tirelessly.
According to the Defence PRO in Dehradun, the recovered body is being transported to Mana post.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed this morning that multiple forces, including the Army, ITBP, Air Force, NDRF, and SDRF, continue to collaborate in the search and rescue mission.
“We are using ground-penetrating radar, thermal imaging cameras, and victim-locating cameras to locate the missing workers,” said CM Dhami.
Despite improving weather conditions, the possibility of further avalanches remains high, prompting authorities to suspend work in high-altitude areas as a precautionary measure.
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari stated earlier today, “Doctors confirmed four deaths yesterday. Initially, the total number of trapped workers was reported as 55, but it was later determined that one worker was on unauthorized leave and safe at home. The total number has been revised to 54, with three still missing.”
In support of the rescue operation, the Indian Air Force deployed a Mi-17 helicopter to airlift a drone-based Intelligent Buried Object Detection System to the avalanche-affected areas.
IAF Cheetah helicopters have been actively engaged in rescue efforts around the Mana area of Chamoli since Saturday, following the avalanche that hit the BRO camp near Mana village in Joshimath on February 28.
