Four labourers lost their lives in an avalanche that struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, according to NDTV.
Meanwhile, search operation for five workers is on. Rescue teams managed to pull 14 more workers from the snow on Saturday, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 47 out of 55 who were trapped. However, eight workers remain missing as efforts continue. Total 50 people have been rescued so far.
The avalanche, which occurred between 5:30 am and 6 am on Friday, buried workers inside eight containers and a shed in the high-altitude Mana village, located near Badrinath. Rescue operations were hampered by heavy snowfall and rain on Friday, forcing teams to suspend their efforts as night fell.
Helicopters to assist in rescue
With clearer skies on Saturday, helicopters joined the rescue mission, providing crucial assistance. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the affected site and directed officials to expedite the operation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Dhami, assuring him of the central government’s full support.
Medical treatment
Of the 14 newly rescued labourers, 11 have been admitted to the Army hospital in Jyotirmath. One is in critical condition, while others have fractures or minor injuries. Doctors are closely monitoring their vitals.
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari warned that worsening weather conditions could slow down the operation, but Army helicopters continue making sorties to locate the missing workers.
Located 3 km from Badrinath, Mana is India’s last village on the India-Tibet border, sitting at an altitude of 3,200 meters. The rescue operation remains a race against time.