Massive Avalanche Hits Uttarakhand: PM Modi Assures Full Support as Rescue Operations Continue To Save Trapped BRO Workers

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami after a massive avalanche hit high-altitude village in Chamoli district. As of now, 46 workers have been rescued, with efforts ongoing to save others still trapped in the snow.

During the telephonic conversation, the Prime Minister was briefed about the situation, including the impact of the avalanche and the ongoing weather conditions. He also assured full support from the central government to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts.

Also read | Uttarakhand Avalanche: 46 BRO Workers Rescued, PM Modi Dials Dhami

In a post on X, Dhami said, "Respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke on the phone and took information about the rescue operation being carried out to safely evacuate the workers trapped in Mana of Chamoli district. He also took detailed information on the situation of rain and snowfall in the state. During this, the Prime Minister assured that the central government will provide all possible assistance to deal with any emergency."

In another post, the Uttarakhand CM provided updates on the rescue operation, saying, "During the rescue operation being carried out to rescue the workers trapped in the avalanche near Mana, 14 other workers have also been rescued safely. The rescued workers are being provided better health facilities. 3 seriously injured workers have been sent to Army Hospital, Jyotirmath for treatment. A total of 47 workers have been successfully rescued so far. Efforts are being made to evacuate other trapped workers as soon as possible."

The avalanche struck between 5:30 am and 6:00 am on Friday, burying the BRO camp located near Mana, a remote village at 3,200 meters above sea level, near the Indo-Tibetan border. The camp was completely covered by snow, leaving workers trapped in freezing conditions. The Army’s Ibex Brigade, a team specially trained for high-altitude rescue operations, was quickly deployed, including doctors and ambulances.

The trapped workers are from various states including Bihar , Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh , Punjab , and Jammu and Kashmir. A list of the trapped individuals has been released, though their state affiliations are not fully listed, as per reports.

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As snowstorms continued to hamper rescue operations, the state's Meteorological Department issued a warning for continued rain and snow in Chamoli district and other nearby areas. Authorities are urgently working to evacuate any remaining workers as soon as possible.

The state government has set up helplines for those seeking information or assistance related to the avalanche: 8218867005, 9058441404, 0135 2664315, and the toll-free number 1070.

As the situation unfolds, both state and national authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and rescue of all trapped individuals, with the Prime Minister’s office monitoring the efforts closely.