New Delhi [India], February 28: As of Friday, 16 out of 57 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers trapped under snow following a massive avalanche near Mana village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district have been successfully rescued, according to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
NDRF Director General Piyush Anand stated that the main priority of the operation is to evacuate as many people as possible. He also revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been closely monitoring the situation and has issued clear instructions to save every life. “Four teams of NDRF have been mobilized, and so far, 16 people have been evacuated. The Home Minister has been in constant touch with the team,” Anand said.
Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Suman also confirmed that a team of 65 personnel is engaged in the rescue operation. Despite the continuous snowfall hampering the rescue efforts, Suman assured that work is progressing. “We have made a demand for an Army helicopter to assist with the operation,” he said. The rescued individuals have been admitted to the ITBP hospital in Mana for medical treatment.
Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the state disaster control room to assess the progress of the rescue operations. He confirmed that 41 of the workers remain trapped under the snow, with the others successfully rescued. Due to adverse weather conditions, helicopter services have been unavailable for the operation.
“The situation remains difficult due to continuous snowfall. We are doing everything possible to rescue the trapped workers, and our efforts are supported by the offices of the Prime Minister and Home Minister,” Dhami said during a press briefing.
In light of the disaster, the Uttarakhand government has issued helpline numbers for people seeking information or assistance regarding the avalanche. The helpline numbers are: Mobile No: 8218867005, 9058441404; Telephone No: 0135 2664315; Toll Free No: 1070.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured the Chief Minister that the government is prioritizing the safe evacuation of the affected workers and has been in regular contact with the respective officials. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his support, confirming that the local army units are actively assisting in the rescue efforts.