Rescue operations in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district continue at full intensity after a devastating avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village, trapping 54 workers under heavy snow. So far, 46 workers have been rescued, while the death toll has risen to seven. One laborer remains missing, and efforts are ongoing to locate them using advanced technology and aerial support.
Heavy snowfall and persistent rain initially hindered rescue operations, forcing authorities to suspend efforts overnight. However, with clear weather conditions now prevailing, the pace of the search has significantly increased. The Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), BRO, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are leading a coordinated response with over 200 personnel involved in the high-intensity mission. Specialized search-and-rescue tools, including sniffer dogs, ground-penetrating radar, victim-locating cameras, and thermal imaging devices, have been deployed to detect individuals buried beneath the snow.
The avalanche, which struck at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, buried eight worker accommodations at the BRO camp. While all accommodations have now been located, no additional survivors have been found inside, increasing concerns for the fate of the remaining missing laborer. The challenging mountainous terrain and blocked access routes have further complicated rescue efforts, with the Badrinath-Joshimath highway being obstructed at multiple points due to snow accumulation. As a result, aerial support has been crucial in transporting both rescuers and essential equipment.
Six helicopters, including three from the Army Aviation Corps, two from the Indian Air Force (IAF), and one civil helicopter hired by the Army, have been engaged in rescue operations. The IAF's Cheetah helicopters have been actively airlifting injured workers to the Army Hospital in Joshimath for urgent medical treatment.
A key technological aid in the ongoing search is the deployment of the Drone-Based Intelligent Buried Object Detection (DIBOD) system in Mana, which has previously been used in Wayanad to locate individuals trapped beneath the earth’s surface. The Indian Air Force swiftly transported the system and six technical experts from Hindon to Dehradun using a Dornier aircraft, ensuring its rapid deployment at the avalanche site. If weather conditions remain favorable, drones, quadcopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will also be used to aid in locating the trapped laborer.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the avalanche site and commended the swift and dedicated response of the rescue teams. He directed officials to carry out the search operations on a war footing and ensure the best possible assistance for the rescued workers and their families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been monitoring the situation closely, receiving regular updates and assuring full support from central agencies to bolster the ongoing relief and rescue efforts.
With multiple agencies working tirelessly and advanced technology being deployed, authorities remain hopeful that the last missing worker will soon be located, bringing the arduous rescue operation to a successful conclusion.
