Chamoli, Uttarakhand: District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that 50 out of 55 trapped Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers have been rescued following the avalanche near Mana village. Of those rescued, 24 are receiving treatment in Joshimath, while one critically injured worker has been airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh with a spinal injury.
The search and rescue operation is still underway for five missing individuals, with joint efforts by the Army and NDRF continuing.
Speaking to ANI, DM Chamoli, Sandeep Tiwari stated, “50 out of 55 people have been rescued. 24 of them have been brought to Joshimath and are being treated here. One person with a spinal injury has been sent to AIIMS Rishikesh via air ambulance and the rest of them will be brought tomorrow to Joshimath and treated according to their health conditions and injuries.”
“A search and rescue operation for the 5 missing people is underway. The Army, NDRF is continuing their operations. We will provide you with the update as and when it comes,” he added.
Enhanced Rescue Operations
To support the ongoing search, the Indian Air Force is deploying a drone-based intelligent buried object detection system, which will be airlifted to Dehradun and then transported via helicopter to the Mana area.
According to Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dehradun, the avalanche has resulted in four fatalities, while the search for the five missing individuals remains active.
The avalanche struck near Mana village in Chamoli on February 28, 2025, trapping 55 workers who were living in containers. The rapid response by the ITBP and the Army ensured that 50 people were rescued.
Government Response and Aerial Support
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the affected region and met the injured workers at the Army Hospital to inquire about their condition. He directed authorities to ensure adequate resources for the ongoing rescue operations and confirmed that the Central Government is providing full support.
District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari stated, “57 BRO labourers lived in containers there, out of which 2 labourers were on leave. Out of 55 workers, ITBP and the Army have conducted a rapid search and have rescued 50 people so far. 4 helicopters have been sent by the Central Government and the State Government. With their help, 25 workers have been brought to Jyotirmath so far.”
Extensive Relief Efforts
The Uttarakhand government has deployed massive aerial rescue operations, including:
- 1 MI-17 helicopter
- 3 Cheetah helicopters
- 2 Uttarakhand government helicopters
- AIIMS Rishikesh air ambulance
The Chief Minister has also directed authorities to deploy additional helicopters if needed.
Challenges Due to Heavy Snowfall
Nearly 200 personnel from disaster response forces, including the Army, ITBP, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, district administration, police, health department, and fire services, are actively engaged in rescue efforts.
Heavy snowfall, with 6-7 feet of accumulation in Badrinath, has severely affected relief operations. Several roads remain blocked, and efforts are being made to clear a 5-6 km stretch near Badrinath to facilitate easier movement for rescue teams.
Military Support and On-Ground Coordination
At 10 AM on March 1, Uttarakhand Sub Area GOC Major General Prem Raj and Brigadier Harish Sethi visited the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) to review military-led rescue operations. They assured full support to ensure the timely completion of the mission.
The rescue operation remains ongoing, with authorities racing against time to locate the five missing workers.