Army, ITBP Resume Rescue Operations in Mana

Uttarakhand : Army and ITBP personnel resumed rescue operations in Mana, Uttarakhand, on Saturday morning following an avalanche that buried a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp. District Disaster Management Officer N. K. Joshi confirmed that 14 more laborers were successfully rescued from the snow-covered site, while efforts continue to locate the remaining eight trapped workers.

The avalanche, which struck the BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district early Friday morning, initially left 55 laborers stranded under massive snow deposits. By Friday night, 33 laborers had been rescued before deteriorating weather conditions, including heavy rain and snowfall, forced the temporary suspension of operations. The adverse weather complicated search efforts, making it too risky to continue rescue attempts overnight.

With the 14 additional rescues on Saturday, the total number of recovered laborers has risen to 47. Authorities, however, remain concerned about the safety of the remaining eight trapped individuals. Specialized teams from the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are using advanced snow-clearing and thermal detection equipment to expedite the search in challenging terrain.

State and central authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The Uttarakhand government has mobilized additional resources, including medical aid and emergency supplies, to assist the rescued laborers. Chamoli district officials have assured that all necessary support is being provided to those affected by the avalanche.

Local administration, in coordination with disaster response teams, is also evaluating the risk of further avalanches in the region, given the ongoing harsh winter conditions. Experts have warned that heavy snowfall and unpredictable weather patterns could pose additional threats to both rescuers and residents in high-altitude villages.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed concern over the situation and directed authorities to ensure swift and effective relief measures. He commended the rescue teams for their efforts and assured the affected families that every possible step is being taken to save the remaining trapped laborers.

Meanwhile, the BRO has been working on restoring connectivity in the affected area, as the avalanche has also disrupted key road links. Officials are urging residents and travelers in the region to exercise caution due to the possibility of further snow-related incidents.