Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, provided an update on the ongoing rescue efforts in Chamoli district after the avalanche that struck the area on February 28. The operation, now on its second day, involves multiple agencies working together to find the missing and assist the injured.

Casualties and Injuries Confirmed

On Sunday, Chief Minister Dhami confirmed the loss of four lives due to severe injuries. He also stated that 46 people, previously trapped under the snow, are stable. One person has been referred to AIIMS in Rishikesh for further treatment.

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Dhami said, “Four people have lost their lives as they were injured and were in critical condition. 46 people are stable, and one of them has been referred to Rishikesh (AIIMS). Bodies will be soon given to the families after completing the formalities.”

Search for Missing Workers Continues

The search for four missing workers is ongoing. Multiple teams from the Army, ITBP, Air Force, NDRF, and SDRF are all involved. They are using advanced technology, including ground-penetrating radar, thermal imaging cameras, and victim-locating cameras to aid the search.

Dhami added, “A search and rescue operation for the four missing workers is going on… We are making all the possible efforts – be it Army, ITBP, Air Force, NDRF, SDRF all are there working together.”

Weather and Safety Concerns

While weather conditions are improving, the risk of further avalanches remains high. Authorities have halted work in high-altitude areas as a precaution. The ongoing threat of avalanches has made safety a top priority for rescue teams.

Clarification on the Number of Workers Involved

Chamoli District Magistrate, Sandeep Tiwari, shared an update on the number of workers affected. Initially, 55 people were reported, but Tiwari clarified that one worker was on unauthorized leave and had returned home. As a result, the total number is now 54, with four still missing.

Airlift and Rescue Efforts by the Air Force

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is supporting the rescue operations. A Mi-17 helicopter transported a drone-based detection system to help locate buried objects in the avalanche-affected area. Additionally, IAF Cheetah helicopters have been used to airlift injured BRO workers to Joshimath Army Hospital.

SDRF Team Deployed for Search

On Sunday, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) sent a specialized team to the affected area. They used victim-locating cameras and thermal imaging cameras to search for the missing workers. This team was deployed under the supervision of SDRF Inspector General of Police, Ridhim Agarwal.

The combined efforts of these teams aim to locate the missing workers and provide immediate assistance to the injured.