Chamoli (Uttarakhand) [India]: Rescue and relief operations are progressing swiftly in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, where 22 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers remain trapped under an avalanche near Mana village.
#WATCH | Chamoli avalanche | Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman says, "Inclement weather persists there. The Chief Minister is continuously monitoring the situation. He visited the control room twice yesterday. He sought a detailed update on… pic.twitter.com/BvsPQgQFcL
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2025
Uttarakhand | 14 civilians have been rescued and evacuted from avalanche site by Indian Army this morning. Search and rescue operations continuing for more than 24 hours. With slight respite in the weather, three injured personnel evacuated from Mana to Joshimath for critical… pic.twitter.com/46gJQYxq8B
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2025
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman stated that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation.
“Inclement weather persists there. The Chief Minister is continuously monitoring the situation. He visited the control room twice yesterday. He sought a detailed update on everything. Rescue and relief operations are taking place swiftly,” Suman told media.
Of the 55 workers trapped, 33 have been rescued, while efforts to save the remaining 22 are ongoing.
Deployment of Resources
More than 200 personnel are on standby to be dispatched for rescue operations.
- Four helicopters are currently operational, and one Mi-17 helicopter from the Indian Air Force is on standby, ready for deployment once weather conditions improve.
- A new helipad is being prepared near Mana to facilitate rescue operations as the existing one is covered in snow.
Due to continuous snowfall, rescue operations were halted overnight to ensure the safety of relief teams but have now resumed.
Government Assistance and Helpline Numbers
The Uttarakhand government has issued helpline numbers for those seeking information or assistance:
- Mobile: 8218867005, 9058441404
- Telephone: 0135 2664315
- Toll-Free: 1070
State and central agencies, including the Army, ITBP, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, Health Department, District Administration, and Police, are working diligently to ensure the safe evacuation of all workers.