Uttarakhand avalanche: Four dead, five workers still trapped as rescue operation underway

Five out of total 55 labourers are still trapped.

The operation to rescue the five workers is underway.

The incident took place near the border village of Mana, which is about five kilometres from the Badrinath temple.

In an update, the Indian Army wrote on X, "Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C, Central Command, and Lt Gen DG Misra, GOC Uttar Bharat Area, visited Avalanche site at Mana to oversee, review and coordinate the ongoing Search and Rescue operations. Specialized recco radars, UAVs, quadcopters, avalanche rescue dogs, etc to locate the survivors, have since been pressed in service.

"Helicopters are also operating continuously for staging forward essential equipment, resources and evacuation of the injured. #ArmyCdr assured that Indian Army in collaboration with various agencies, is fully equipped with the necessary resources to ensure fast paced rescue efforts. "

By the end of day 1 since the incident took place, 33 workers were rescued.

The rescue operation was halted as night fell on Friday.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday visited the site.

Dhami posted on X, "Visited the avalanche affected area near Mana in Chamoli district and took stock of the relief and rescue operations going on at the spot. During this, enquired about the well-being of the workers who were evacuated safely.

"Also, after getting detailed information from the military officers and administrative teams engaged in the rescue work, he gave necessary instructions. The government is fully committed to provide all possible help to the affected people in this hour of crisis. The safety of the affected workers is our top priority. The administration, army and SDRF teams are continuously engaged in relief work."