Uttarakhand avalanche: An avalanche hit Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday, entrapping at least 57 people under snow. The road to the affected area is also closed due to the avalanche, impeding rescue and relief operations.
The incident took place near Mana village. Those trapped are construction workers. ITBP and the army are engaged in the rescue operation. SDRF and NDRF are trying to reach the spot.
Chamoli DM Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that 57 people were trapped under the snow.
Nilesh Bharne, a police spokesperson, said the avalanche occurred near a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp.
“A massive avalanche has occurred near the Border Roads Organisation camp in the border area of Mana in which 57 workers engaged in road construction have been trapped. Out of these workers, 10 workers have been rescued and sent to the army camp near Mana in critical condition,” he told ANI.
Colonel Ankur Mahajan, the commander of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), said the extent of the injuries was unclear.
“We received information around 8 am that an avalanche had struck the Mana area. Some workers employed by a contractor were engaged a road construction. We do not have the exact headcount at this time. Ten people have been rescued, some of whom have sustained injuries, but the extent of their injuries is unclear. They are currently receiving treatment,” he told HT.
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He said the affected area is currently inaccessible.
“The affected area is inaccessible, with no mobile or radio connectivity. The road before Hanumanchatti is blocked, and we are working to clear it. Our teams are making every effort to reach the site,” he added.
SDRF commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said the agency has sent a team to the spot.
“We have dispatched our team from Jyotirmath (formerly Joshimath) to the affected site. Additionally, our high-altitude teams at Gauchar (Chamoli) and Sahastradhara (Dehradun) have been placed on standby. If required, they will be sent to the affected site via helicopters,” he said.
Pushkar Dhami reacts
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reacted to the accident.
“We have received the tragic news of several workers, engaged in a construction project by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district, being trapped due to an avalanche. Rescue and relief operations are underway by ITBP, BRO, and other teams. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for the safety of all the workers,” he said.
