‘32 rescued so far, efforts on to save remaining 25 people’
Excelsior Correspondent
DEHRADUN, Feb 28: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today reviewed the relief and rescue operations following the avalanche near Mana village in Chamoli district.
As per a statement, the Chief Minister reached the State Emergency Operations Center at IT Park, Dehradun, where he held a meeting with officials and directed them to expedite the rescue operations.
He instructed officials to ensure swift access to the affected site and ordered the immediate activation of the nearest helipad to accelerate rescue efforts.
He emphasized the use of drones and helicopters for monitoring and enhancing the efficiency of the operation.
He also directed that, if necessary, the injured should be transported to AIIMS Rishikesh via air ambulance.
Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister stated that ITBP, the Army, the district administration, the Air Force, and other agencies are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations.
Due to adverse weather conditions and low visibility, he said, helicopter deployment is currently not feasible, but snow experts have been consulted.
Special ITBP teams are working continuously at the site, claimed Dhami.
So far, the Chief Minister claimed, 32 people have been rescued safely, while the rescue operation to save the remaining 25 people continues.
He stated that the State Government is in constant communication with the Central Government, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Home Minister, and the Defense Minister.
He assured that if any additional agencies are required for the rescue operation, their assistance will be sought immediately.
So far, 10 injured individuals have been admitted to the ITBP hospital. Continuous snowfall is causing road blockages, but as the weather improves, the rescue operations will gain momentum.
The Uttarakhand Chief Minister also held a virtual meeting with Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari to obtain a detailed report on the incident.
The District Magistrate informed that the avalanche occurred 6 km ahead of Badrinath Dham, near the Border Roads Organization site, where labourers were working to clear the snow. Rescue teams from ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also visited the Disaster Control Room again at 8 PM to assess the situation. He was continuously monitoring the rescue efforts and in regular communication with officials.
He assured that the State Government is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every affected person.
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