Chamoli: A massive avalanche hit Badrinath in Uttarakhand on Friday. At least 47 construction workers are reported to be trapped under the snow. Meanwhile, 16 workers have reportedly been rescued so far. The avalanche took place after heavy snowfall in the region. The incident took place on the National Highway that between Mana and Badrinath.
After receiving the information, senior officials of the administrations and BRO teams rushed to the spot. Indian Army’s IBEX BRIGADE is also involved in the rescue operation.
"A massive avalanche has occurred near the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)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," Police Headquarters spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne told ANI.
Meanwhile, BRO's Executive Engineer CR Meena said three to four ambulances have also been sent, but due to heavy snowfall, the rescue team is facing difficulties in reaching there.
Visuals From The Spot
Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF have left for the spot amid continuing snowfall and rain.
"Information about an avalanche has been received. Around 57 labourers of BRO (Border Roads Organisation), who undertake snow-clearing operations, had camped there. Our teams have been mobilised - ITBP, SDRF and Administration. There is active rainfall and snowfall activities there," Chamoli DM Sandeep Tiwari said as reported by ANI.
"So, we are unable to deploy heli-services. Movement is difficult. Since satellite phones and other such equipment are not available there, we have not been able to have a clear communication with them. But we have not received any official information of any casualty...We are receiving full support from higher authorities. We hope that our team will reach there and rescue them safely," he added.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister prayed for the safety of the trapped workers. "I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for the safety of all the labourer brothers," he said in his X post.
