Chamoli (Uttarakhand) [India]: A total of 32 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers have been rescued after being trapped under snow following an avalanche near Mana village in Chamoli district, officials reported on Friday.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari stated that out of 57 trapped workers, 32 have been rescued so far. The Uttarakhand Disaster Management Department confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing to evacuate the remaining 25 workers.
“By 5:00 pm, 32 people had been safely rescued. Relief and rescue work is being carried out on a war footing, and efforts are in progress to save those still trapped,” officials said.
The avalanche struck 6 km ahead of Badrinath Dham, leading to a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple agencies, including BRO, ITBP, NDRF, and the Indian Army.
Government Issues Helpline Numbers
To assist people seeking information or help, the Uttarakhand government has issued helpline numbers through the State Emergency Operation Centre of the Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority:
📞 Mobile: 8218867005, 9058441404
☎ Telephone: 0135 2664315
📢 Toll-Free: 1070
Union Government’s Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and assured that rescuing those trapped is the top priority.
“Spoke to CM Dhami ji, DG ITBP, and DG NDRF regarding the Chamoli avalanche. Our priority is to safely evacuate the trapped individuals. Two NDRF teams are reaching the spot soon,” said Shah.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Assures Military Support
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed concern and spoke to CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, ensuring full military support.
“An unfortunate avalanche in Mana, Joshimath, has impacted the GREF camp of BRO. Rescue efforts by local Army units are underway. All available resources are being used to rescue the trapped personnel,” he stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Ongoing Relief Efforts
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that personnel from ITBP and the Army are actively engaged in the rescue operation. IG Nilesh Anand Bharne, spokesperson for Uttarakhand Police Headquarters, reported that efforts to locate and rescue the remaining 25 workers are in full swing.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and additional relief teams and medical assistance are on standby to provide immediate support.