Uttarakhand avalanche: IAF deploys helicopters for rescue operations
What's the story
Rescue operations are ongoing in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district after a deadly avalanche near Mana village on February 28.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed Mi-17 and Cheetah helicopters to aid in the operations.
The aircraft have been instrumental in airlifting injured workers to the Joshimath Army Hospital for treatment.
Technological assistance
Drone-based system to aid in locating trapped workers
A Mi-17 helicopter is also scheduled to ferry a drone-based Intelligent Buried Object detection system. The drone-based technology will help locate those still trapped under the snow.
Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said 50 workers have been rescued so far, with four fatalities and four still missing.
Weather obstacles
Heavy snowfall challenges rescue operations in Uttarakhand
Heavy snowfall has made rescue operations extremely difficult, with 6-7 feet of snow accumulation in Badrinath leading to road blockages.
Despite the challenges, over 200 personnel from the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities are working to provide relief.
The search for the missing continues with specialized equipment such as Victim Locating Cameras and Thermal Image Cameras.
Government support
Uttarakhand CM ensures no shortage of resources
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also conducted an aerial survey of the affected area and visited the Disaster Control Room at IT Park, Dehradun.
He stressed that there should be no shortage of resources for the ongoing operations.
Dhami added that both state and central governments are providing necessary assistance in this challenging time.
Rescue efforts
Rescue teams use advanced technology amid harsh conditions
The avalanche site is situated at an altitude of over 3,200 meters where temperatures have dropped to minus 12 degrees Celsius.
Despite the extreme conditions, rescue teams are working tirelessly with RECCO radars, drones, and avalanche rescue dogs to find the missing workers.
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that 24 rescued BRO workers are being treated in Joshimath while one spinal injury patient was airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for treatment.