Uttarakhand avalanche: Poor visibility, snowstorm disrupt operations to rescue 57 workers

Ten of the rescued labourers are being treated at the ITBP hospital in Mana, officials said, adding that the rescue operation for the remaining workers is being carried out by the Garhwal 9 Brigade and the BRO.

Speaking with The Indian Express, Yaduvanshi said that the operations are being disrupted by the weather. “It is a bad situation, and the weather is exacerbating it. We have been informed that a snowstorm is making operations even more difficult,” he said.

An additional team of the SDRF is on alert at Sahastradhara. “They are well-equipped and belong to the high-altitude special team. We all have the exact coordinates. But the weather is posing problems,” he said.

An officer of the BRO said the employees had been hired by a contractor for the construction of a road near Mana village.

Speaking with the media, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the visibility was poor and helicopters could not be pressed into service. “Experts, Air Force, and other services have been working. We are monitoring and trying to help all the labourers get out. We have also established a helpline for the region. We are constantly in touch with the Defence Minister, Home Minister, and PMO. We are seeking help from them. The injured are being treated at the ITBP hospital at Mana. Srinagar Medical College and Rishikesh AIIMS have also been readied,” he said.

Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority Vinod Kumar Suman said that 65 people have been stationed at the spot for rescue operations. “Thirty people are from the Army, and we have sent 100 personnel from the SDMA. It has been challenging as there is six-feet deep snow, and it is still snowing,” he said.