Rescue operations continue on the third day following a devastating avalanche in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Fifty laborers were rescued near a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp, but four lost their lives. Four more laborers remain trapped under the snow.
Chamoli: Rescue operations are ongoing on the third day following a devastating avalanche in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. While 50 laborers were rescued near a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp, four died, and four remain buried under the snow. Authorities have requisitioned Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to locate those trapped deep within the snow.
Weather Poses Challenge to Rescue Operations
The avalanche occurred between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM on Friday, March 1st, 2025, between Mana and Badrinath. Initial rescue efforts were hampered by inclement weather and heavy snowfall, slowing operations. However, with improved weather conditions on Saturday, teams from the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) intensified their efforts.
Six Helicopters and Specialized Equipment Deployed in Rescue Efforts
According to Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Manish Srivastava, six helicopters have been deployed – three from the Army, two from the Air Force, and one civilian helicopter on lease. The Army is also utilizing UAVs (drones), quadcopters, and specialized avalanche rescue dogs to locate those buried under the snow.
GPR Technology Aids the Search
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been brought in from Delhi to locate the buried laborers. This technology accurately pinpoints objects and people buried under thick layers of snow. According to Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, five of the eight containers at the BRO camp have been located; three remain buried. The radar is being used to precisely locate these containers to expedite the search for the missing laborers.
Identification of Deceased
* Mohinder Pal (Himachal Pradesh)
* Jitendra Singh (Himachal Pradesh)
* Manjeet Yadav (Uttar Pradesh)
* Alok Yadav (Uttarakhand)
Chief Minister Conducts Aerial Survey
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the avalanche-affected area by helicopter and instructed officials to complete the rescue operation on a war footing. He stated, "The government is deploying all possible resources to quickly rescue the affected laborers."
The Badrinath-Joshimath highway is blocked at 15-20 points due to the avalanche, hindering relief efforts by road. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) teams are working to restore the road as quickly as possible.
Next Steps in Rescue Operations
* Locating missing laborers using GPR and drones.
* Supplying relief materials via helicopters.
* Attempting to access buried containers by removing snow.
* Treating the injured at hospitals in Joshimath and Rishikesh.
According to the rescue team, the next 24 hours are crucial, as deteriorating weather conditions could delay operations. The Army, NDRF, and other agencies are making every effort to rescue the remaining laborers.
