Mana Avalanche: Army’s Rescue Operation Continues
50 Workers Rescued, 5 Still Missing as Army Leads Efforts
The Army’s rescue operation continues in Uttarakhand’s Mana to rescue workers trapped in the avalanche. So far, 50 workers have been pulled out, but four have lost their lives. The avalanche, which struck on Friday, buried 55 workers. All of them were associated with the Border Roads Organization (BRO) and were engaged in road construction. Fifteen workers were rescued shortly after the disaster.
Bad weather caused significant difficulties in the rescue operation yesterday, and helicopters were not permitted to fly. However, with improved conditions today, a helicopter rescue operation was launched in Mana, and three injured workers were airlifted to a military hospital in Joshimath.
Five Workers Still Missing
The rescue team is still searching for five missing workers. The Army reported that 50 workers have been rescued so far, but four have succumbed to their injuries. Every possible effort is being made to locate the remaining five workers.
Rescue Operation Resumes as Weather Clears
Out of the 55 trapped workers, 33 were safely rescued earlier. Following this, ITBP, Army, and BRO personnel restarted the rescue operation on Saturday morning. District Magistrate Dr. Sandeep Tiwari stated that three critically injured workers receiving treatment at the ITBP hospital in Mana have been airlifted to Joshimath Military Hospital. Their condition is currently stable. He also confirmed that 28 NDRF personnel have arrived in Joshimath to assist in the operation.
The SDRF and other rescue teams are stationed at Govind Ghat and Hanuman Chatti. The District Magistrate added that as the weather improves, assistance from the central government will accelerate.
Weather Department Issues Advisory
The Meteorological Department has advised caution amid ongoing rain, snowfall, and avalanche risks. It has recommended suspending human activities in snow-affected areas and seeking shelter in locations safe from landslides, avalanches, or collapsing snow.
GOC-in-C Central Command to Visit Mana
In light of the rescue operation, GOC-in-C Central Command, Lt. General Anindya Sengupta, along with the GOC of Northern India Area and DGBR, is expected to visit Mana today. If the weather permits, Lt. General Sengupta will brief the media on-site. Media representatives are requested to be prepared to reach the designated location as quickly as possible and attend in large numbers.
