The death toll from the avalanche in Mana village near Badrinath, Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, has risen to four, an official confirmed on Saturday. The Defence Public Relations Officer in Dehradun reported that four individuals have died in the incident. Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding in Central Command, stated that all available resources, including UAVs and radars, will be deployed as soon as weather and road conditions permit.
"Currently, air efforts are underway to retrieve the casualties. We expect to complete the operation by this evening with coordination among all agencies," the official said. Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari informed ANI that the rescue operation began yesterday, resulting in the rescue of 33 workers, followed by 17 more today. A total of 50 individuals have been rescued, and efforts to locate other missing persons are ongoing.
The Indian Army reported that 55 Border Roads Organisation workers were trapped under snow after the avalanche struck their camp on Friday morning, burying them inside eight containers and a shed. Rescue operations were suspended Friday evening due to severe weather, including rain and snowfall, but resumed this morning as conditions improved. Helicopters were deployed to assist, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami noted that heavy snowfall was hindering rescue efforts.
Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the affected area and reported that over five blocks are without electricity or internet due to continuous snow. He assured that connectivity would be restored promptly and mentioned that more than 200 personnel are involved in the rescue operations. The Chief Minister confirmed that 50 out of 55 trapped workers have been rescued, and efforts continue to evacuate the remaining individuals. Rescued workers are being treated in Jyotirmath and may be referred to higher medical facilities if necessary. He visited the Army Hospital to check on their well-being and instructed the District Magistrate to ensure adequate resources for the search and rescue operation, with the Central Government providing necessary assistance.
District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari reported that the avalanche occurred near Mana Pass, where 57 BRO laborers were housed in containers, with two on leave. So far, ITBP and the Army have rescued 50 workers, and four helicopters from both the Central and State Governments have transported 25 workers to Jyotirmath. Tiwari commended the efforts of ITBP and the Army, noting that a 28-member NDRF team has also arrived, bringing valuable experience to the ongoing rescue operations.