Government Aims for Better Early Warning and Faster Emergency Response

Chamoli Avalanche: 8 Dead, 46 Rescued in Intense Operation

The Chamoli avalanche in Uttarakhand claimed eight lives, while 46 workers were successfully rescued after nearly 60 hours of relentless efforts. The massive rescue operation, involving multiple agencies, was hampered by harsh weather, logistical hurdles, and communication failures.

Race Against Time: How the Rescue Unfolded

The avalanche struck a General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) camp between 5:30 AM and 6 AM on February 28 in the Mana area of Chamoli district. The workers, employed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), were caught under thick layers of snow.

Rescue efforts began immediately, with teams from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), BRO, local police, and health departments rushing to the site.

The Army’s IBEX Brigade, a highly trained unit for high-altitude rescues, led the operation. A team of seven officers, 17 junior commissioned officers, and 150 personnel worked tirelessly alongside medical staff, ambulances, and helicopters.

By March 2, the final phase of the operation was launched. Of the 46 rescued workers, 44 were receiving treatment in Joshimath hospitals, while two critically injured workers were transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh. Sadly, eight workers lost their lives, and their bodies were recovered.

Challenges That Made the Rescue Difficult

1. Extreme Weather Conditions

• Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures created life-threatening risks for both rescuers and trapped workers.
• Poor visibility frequently disrupted helicopter evacuations.
• Minor avalanches continued, increasing the danger for teams on the ground.

2. Difficult Terrain and Deep Snow

• Some areas had over seven feet of snow, making it hard to locate trapped individuals.
• Special equipment, including thermal imaging cameras, avalanche rods, and ground-penetrating radar, was deployed to find survivors.

3. Communication Breakdown

• The avalanche damaged power lines and mobile networks, cutting off connectivity in five areas.
• Teams relied on satellite communication and radio devices to coordinate.
• The government attempted to restore communication using emergency antennas, but the delay slowed the response.

4. Logistical Barriers in a Remote Location

• Reinforcements and medical aid faced difficulty reaching the site.
• The main helipad was inoperative due to heavy snowfall, forcing helicopters to use smaller landing zones.
• Blocked roads further complicated the transportation of relief materials and rescued workers.

Despite these hurdles, over 200 personnel from multiple agencies worked together using advanced rescue equipment, drones, and specialized saws to speed up operations.

Uttarakhand’s Avalanche History and Government Response

Uttarakhand has witnessed multiple disasters in recent years, including:

• October 2021: Two trekking teams were caught in severe weather, leading to 12 deaths.
• October 2022: A 41-member mountaineering team was hit by an avalanche at Draupadi Ka Danda-2 (DKD-2), resulting in 27 fatalities.
• June 2023: Nine trekkers from Bengaluru died due to extreme weather in Uttarkashi.

In light of these frequent disasters, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to rethink disaster response strategies. The government plans to:

• Strengthen avalanche monitoring in high-risk zones.
• Develop advanced early warning systems to prevent future tragedies.
• Improve emergency response times by enhancing communication networks.

With climate change increasing the frequency of natural disasters, Uttarakhand is now focusing on proactive disaster management to minimize future casualties.