A massive avalanche near Mana in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, has resulted in a large-scale rescue operation. So far, a joint team comprising the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and the Air Force has rescued 50 workers, with 4 fatalities reported. 17 workers were rescued on Saturday morning and are undergoing treatment at a military hospital. However, 5 workers remain missing, and efforts to locate them are continuing at full scale. The Army has identified that three containers are still trapped under the snow. To expedite the search, a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been brought from Delhi to detect their exact location.
CM Dhami Conducts Aerial Survey
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the avalanche-hit region and later reviewed the rescue efforts in Joshimath. He also visited the USDMA Emergency Operations Center for further assessment. The CM informed the media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out for updates and assured full support. Additionally, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are closely monitoring the situation.
Intensive Rescue Efforts Underway
So far, five containers have been located, and trapped workers have been safely evacuated. However, three containers remain unaccounted for. Sniffer dogs and specialized Army teams are working relentlessly to trace them. The deployment of the GPR radar is expected to significantly accelerate the search.
Medical Support and Infrastructure Preparedness
State authorities have ensured robust medical arrangements. Injured workers are receiving treatment at Mana and Joshimath military hospitals, while AIIMS Rishikesh and Srinagar Medical College remain on high alert. CM Dhami has directed immediate delivery of essential supplies to affected villages.
Restoration of Communication Services
Following the disruption of communication networks due to the heavy snowfall, CM Dhami has instructed the administration to restore phone and internet services swiftly. Additionally, satellite phones are being deployed in regions with complete network failure.
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Advisory for Tourists
Due to the avalanche threat and adverse weather conditions, the government has advised tourists to avoid traveling to high-altitude areas like Auli and Harsil for the next three days. Tourists already present in these regions are being shifted to safer locations.
Alaknanda River Assessment
During the aerial survey, concerns arose regarding the partial freezing of the Alaknanda River. CM Dhami has ordered expert teams to investigate the situation through aerial, manual, and satellite surveys to mitigate any potential flooding risks.
