The Army has recovered the body of one more person missing in the avalanche near Mana village, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. This increases the death toll to five. Rescue teams are still working to locate the remaining three missing individuals.
The body is being taken to the Mana post, according to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Defence Ministry in Dehradun.
Search and Rescue Operations Ongoing
The search efforts continue, with multiple agencies involved. The Army, ITBP, Air Force, NDRF, and SDRF are all working together to find the missing workers. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami provided an update, saying, “The search and rescue operation for the missing workers is ongoing. Ground-penetrating radar, thermal imaging cameras, and victim-locating cameras are being used to aid in the search.”
Weather Conditions Improving, Risk Remains
Weather conditions in the area are improving. However, Chief Minister Dhami warned that the risk of more avalanches remains high. As a result, authorities have stopped work in high-altitude areas for safety.
Clarification on the Number of Missing Workers
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari also updated the situation. He said, “Yesterday, doctors confirmed four deaths. Initially, 55 people were reported, but we have now learned that one worker was on unauthorized leave and is at home. The total number has now been reduced to 54, with four still missing.”
Indian Air Force Provides Support
The Indian Air Force is helping with the rescue efforts. A Mi-17 helicopter delivered a drone-based Intelligent Buried Object detection system to assist in the search. Additionally, IAF Cheetah helicopters have been working in the Mana area since Saturday, after the avalanche struck the BRO camp near Mana village in Joshimath on February 28.