The death count in the Uttarakhand avalanche tragedy in Chamoli district has increased to five after a body was recovered this afternoon. Three workers remain missing as rescue operations continue under challenging weather conditions.
Avalanche Strikes Labour Camp Near Mana Village
The avalanche struck the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) labour site near Mana village, just 5 km from the Badrinath Temple, on Friday. The disaster buried 54 workers inside eight containers and a shed under thick layers of snow. Rescue efforts began immediately, with 33 workers pulled out by Friday night and another 17 rescued on Saturday. Unfortunately, four of the rescued workers succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
Rescue Operations Hampered by Harsh Weather
Heavy snowfall and rain have severely impacted rescue operations, forcing temporary halts over the last two nights. Relief teams are working at an altitude of over 3,200 metres, where temperatures have dropped to -12 degrees Celsius. Due to difficult terrain and adverse weather, much of the rescue work on Saturday was conducted using helicopters from the Army and Air Force.
More than 200 personnel from various agencies, including the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district administration, and health department, are engaged in the operation. Six helicopters, including three from the Indian Army Aviation Corps, two from the Indian Air Force, and a civil chopper hired by the Army, have been deployed for the mission.
Advanced Equipment Deployed for Search Efforts
Officials are using high-tech RECCO radars, drones, and avalanche rescue dogs to trace the missing workers. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the site on Saturday and reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue efforts. He assured that the Centre and state government are working together to ensure all possible assistance for those affected.
Survivors Recall the Horror
Several survivors of the avalanche have shared harrowing accounts of the disaster. Manoj Bhandari, one of the workers at the site, recalled waking up to a “mountain of snow” rushing down the peak. “I shouted to alert everyone and ran behind a loader machine to save myself,” he said.
Another worker, Gopal Joshi, described the terrifying moment when the avalanche struck. “Snow was already falling outside when, around 6 am, we heard a loud thunder. As we looked up, we saw a massive wall of snow coming toward us. I ran as fast as I could, but the deep snow slowed me down. After two hours, ITBP soldiers arrived and rescued us,” he recounted.
With three workers still missing, rescue efforts continue on a war footing as authorities battle harsh weather to locate the remaining victims.
