The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued an avalanche warning for parts of Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning that a medium-danger-level avalanche is likely above 2,500 metres in the next 24 hours. The alert follows a devastating avalanche in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, where eight workers lost their lives at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp.
Avalanche Warning Issued
The advisory of the NDMA refers to the higher parts of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi district and Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Officials have stated that, given the ac sc snow conditions, the avalanche hazard will continue to be for the next couple of days and are advising residents and travelers extreme caution.
Three-Day Rescue Operation Concludes
After a massive three-day rescue operation at the avalanche-hit BRO camp in Mana village, officials confirmed that the final missing worker’s body had been recovered, bringing the operation to an end. The avalanche, which struck on February 28, buried 54 workers inside eight containers and a shed. Initial reports suggested that 55 labourers were affected, but later, authorities confirmed that one worker was on unauthorised leave and had safely reached home.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Among the deceased laborers are Mohindra Pal and Jitendra Singh from Himachal Pradesh, Manjit Yadav in Uttar Pradesh and Alok Yadav in Uttarakhand. Their fatal accidents show the dangers suffered by individuals working in high-altitude areas.
Personnel from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were utilized for rescue efforts. Over 200 personnel participated in the high-intensity effort, working in extremely challenging conditions to locate the missing workers. The rescue teams faced heavy snowfall and rough terrain, making it a daunting task. Special sniffer dogs were placed on board to further the search and rescue of the trapped workers.
Army and IAF Lead Rescue Mission
Army officers stated that a significant portion of Saturday’s rescue operations took place with Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter support, because the access road into the area was impassable due to snowdrifts and vehicle travel became extremely difficult, if not totally impossible. The helicopters played a key role in the air dropping of personnel and equipment for the rescue operations.
Located three kilometers from Badrinath, Mana is the last village on the India-Tibet border at a height of 3,200 metres. Avalanches represent a constant threat in this area given its high altitude and extreme winter conditions.
Precautionary Measures in Place
Still threatened by an avalanche, the governor has ordered all valley inhabitants and laborers to be especially watchful. The NDMA has also given specific recommendations for people residing at high altitude such as to avoid as much as possible recreational travel, to have emergency supplies readily available to follow official advice.
According to the experts, climatic factors may have been contributing to increasing the frequency of avalanches in the area. Warming and volatile weather conditions have resulted in a greater risk associated with snow slides, and it is of primary concern for authorities to strengthen early warning systems and implement better measures of disaster preparedness.
Government’s Response
The Uttarakhand government has assured that all possible measures are being taken to mitigate further risks and provide assistance to the affected families. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sympathy to the bereaved families and lauded the tireless endeavor of the rescue teams.
It is a matter of deep agony that the Chamoli avalanche has taken the lives of so many,” etc. Our rescue teams worked tirelessly in challenging conditions. Wherever required, all the necessary support will be provided to the families affected”, said CM Dhami in a statement.
Also, compensation is being set up for the families of the work staff who died. The high-risk areas of the state government is also being given measures to take so as to improve the safety of the worker engaged in any of the infrastructure jobs.
Conclusion
The Chamoli avalanche serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those living and working in high-altitude regions. Due to unpredictable weather and increasing effects of climate change, disaster management authorities need to be watchful and proactive. The united response of various agencies in this incident has underscored the need for integration in natural hazard response.
At the end of rescue operations, preventive measures are now in the spotlight in order to make such disasters not recur. Government and disaster management authorities are on standby and they are cautioning those living in avalanche areas.
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