India

Uttarakhand avalanche: Rescue teams unable to reach site due to heavy rains, snow

February 28, 2025

Dehradun: The rescue teams of ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and the Army, heading to the avalanche site in Mana, are facing challenges due to continuous heavy rainfall and snowfall. By late evening, the teams were struggling to reach the site, clearing snow and fallen stones. The rescue operation is underway with the help of teams already present, including NDRF, BRO, and the Army, with mountaineering teams also sent.

“It’s a very dangerous situation. Teams are clearing the snow, but more accumulates with continuous snowfall,” said a source in BRO from Joshimath, the gateway to Badrinath. About eight feet of snow has accumulated near the avalanche site.

Reports from Chamoli district highlight poor communication with on-site teams due to the rough weather. Poor visibility also hinders helicopter services, delaying deployment. “We have requisitioned helicopter services, and if the weather improves, we’ll try to send teams at night,” said Major Prateek Kale of the BRO.

ITBP teams at the Mana camp face difficulty reaching the site due to six feet of snow blocking the road.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, stationed in Dehradun at the emergency operation center, is monitoring the situation, directing the use of drones for aerial surveillance and consulting snow experts to aid the rescue operation.