Chamoli, March 1, 2025:
A massive avalanche near the Mana Camp in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, close to the India-China (Tibet) border, has triggered an intense rescue operation. So far, 47 workers have been successfully rescued, while the search for 8 others is still ongoing. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the Joshimath Army Helipad to check on the injured workers.
Rescue Operations Intensify, Three High-Altitude Teams Deployed
The rescue operation resumed on Saturday morning as weather conditions improved. Three specialized high-altitude rescue teams from SDRF have been deployed at Jolly Grant, Sahastradhara, and Gauchar. Two teams, each consisting of eight members, have been stationed in Gauchar and Sahastradhara, while a ten-member team from the Jolly Grant headquarters has been dispatched with satellite phones and essential rescue equipment. Additionally, a team in Dhalwala has been placed on alert in case injured workers need to be referred to AIIMS Rishikesh.
CM Dhami Arrives at Helipad, Ground Zero Visit Possible
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami departed from Dehradun on Saturday morning and arrived at the Joshimath Army Helipad. He inquired about the condition of the injured workers and received updates from officials on the rescue operation. If weather conditions remain favorable, the CM may visit Ground Zero to assess the relief efforts personally. He has directed the deployment of Air Force and UCADA helicopters to assist in the rescue mission.
PM Modi Speaks with CM Dhami
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with CM Dhami over the phone to review the rescue efforts and get updates on the situation. He assured full support from the central government and discussed the ongoing heavy snowfall and rainfall in Uttarakhand.
Search for Missing Workers Continues
Sources suggest that the remaining 8 workers are possibly trapped inside a container that has been completely buried under snow. By Friday evening, the Indian Army and ITBP had successfully rescued 33 workers, but heavy snowfall and nearly 8 feet of accumulated snow forced a temporary halt in operations. The rescue resumed on Saturday morning as weather conditions improved, bringing the total number of rescued workers to 47.
Authorities Closely Monitoring the Situation
The Uttarakhand administration and security agencies are closely monitoring the situation. Officials have assured that the rescue operation will continue at full capacity until all workers are safely evacuated.
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