New Delhi: Avalanches in the Himalayas are deadly. Very few survive them. Avalanches have claimed many mountaineers, trekkers, soldiers, and tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Rescue operations have often fallen flat in most of these incidents. The recent rescue operation during Chamoli avalanche was an exception, though.
About Chamoli avalanche
A powerful avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, burying 54 workers under snow. Rescue teams swung into action and were able to save 46 workers, but unfortunately, eight workers lost their lives. Heavy snowfall and rain affected rescue efforts initially, and operations were suspended briefly on Friday night. However, the rescue operation was resumed on Saturday and saw many being saved.
Personnel from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) worked relentlessly to locate the trapped workers. More than 200 personnel were involved in the rescue operation, with sniffer dogs also deployed to assist in the efforts.
Saving 46 workers is a huge feet indeed. Specialised rescue equipment, including Victim Locating Cameras (VLC), Thermal Imaging Cameras, Ground Penetration Radar, and avalanche rescue dogs, were deployed to locate individuals trapped under the snow. Besides, 6 helicopters were also involved in the rescue operations. Drone-Based Intelligent Buried Object Detection (DIBOD) System was also deployed in Mana.
Huge feat
Saving 46 workers is a huge feat, indeed. The rescue operation was high-intensity. However, the key factor that worked in favour of the workers was the steel containers they were sleeping in. And of course, the quick response from ITBP personnel stationed nearby.
The avalanche in Mana hit eight accommodation containers and a shed. Those thrown outside it had little chance. However, inside the containers, survival was possible. “These metal shelters saved most of them. They had just enough oxygen to hold on until we got them out,” a senior rescue official told Times of India. If they had been in barracks or tents, their fate would have been far more tragic.
These containers, built from reinforced steel and designed to withstand extreme conditions, were capable of holding 12-14 workers. Their strong structure kept them from collapsing under the weight of the snow, and, most essentially, they remained sealed, protecting those inside from being trapped or buried.
The response time was also quick. In Mana border outpost, almost 250 Indian Army and ITBP personnel were stationed. Without losing any time or waiting for orders, they swung into action. They reached the site immediately, dug through the snow and pulled survivors out and saved them.
