Tragic Avalanche Hits BRO Camp in Mana, 8 Dead and 46 Rescued

Chamoli, Uttarakhand — A tragic avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Mana, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, on February 28. Brigadier MS Dhillon, Commander of the IBEX Brigade, confirmed that eight individuals lost their lives, while 46 others were rescued and are now undergoing treatment.

Brigadier MS Dhillon (left), representational image for Avalanche Hit area in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. 

The Avalanche and Immediate Response

The avalanche hit the camp early on February 28, leaving several workers trapped under tons of snow. In response, the Indian Army immediately launched a search and rescue operation. Brigadier Dhillon reported that the operation was conducted day and night, despite challenging weather conditions, over the span of three days.

Also read | Russian Aerospace Forces Launch Soyuz Rocket for Defence Purposes

"The operation was conducted relentlessly, even in inclement weather, to locate and rescue those trapped," said Brigadier Dhillon. "A total of 46 persons have been rescued and are under various stages of treatment. Unfortunately, eight lives were lost in this tragic incident. All the mortal remains have been recovered."

Rescue and Relief Efforts

The Indian Army, along with the Indian Air Force, ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), Border Roads, and the state government, worked tirelessly to save lives and provide aid to the injured. Brigadier Dhillon expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased workers, praising the coordinated and professional efforts of all involved in the rescue operation.

Also read | US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Announces $4 Billion Military Aid Boost..

"The Indian Army conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families of the workers who lost their lives in this tragedy. Many lives were saved thanks to the relentless and professional efforts of all the agencies involved," he said.

The search and rescue operations in the Mana area concluded on Sunday, marking the end of the relief efforts. The rescued individuals were transferred to nearby towns for further treatment.

Uttarakhand CM Offers Condolences

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also offered his condolences to the families of the deceased BRO workers. He prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the avalanche.

"Rescue operations have been ongoing for the past two days, and they are almost complete. The 46 people who were rescued have been shifted from Badrinath to Joshimath, and some have been moved to AIIMS Rishikesh for further treatment," said CM Dhami.

Also read | Indian Air Force Pushes for Stealth Aircraft Acquisition Amid Rising Regional Threats

He further added, "May all of them recover soon. Unfortunately, some people are no longer among us. We pray to God to give peace to their souls and strength to their families to bear the loss."

A Tragic Reminder of the Risks Faced by Border Workers

The avalanche serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by workers on the frontlines of infrastructure development in remote and challenging terrains. As the nation mourns the loss of lives, the heroic efforts of the rescue teams stand as a testament to their unwavering commitment to saving lives under the most difficult circumstances.