Chamoli: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had issued a yellow alert over the past two days, warning of potential avalanches in Uttarakhand. Today, a fresh red alert has been issued for the next 24 hours as severe weather conditions persist.
In Chamoli district, an avalanche trapped at least 25 workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) near Mana village, about five kilometers from the Badrinath temple. Rescue operations are underway, with 16 workers rescued so far and shifted to an Army camp for medical treatment. However, harsh weather conditions are hampering efforts.
On February 26, DRDO’s Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) had issued a yellow alert for Chamoli, followed by a similar warning for Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar on February 27. Today, DGRE escalated the warning, issuing a red alert for Chamoli and an orange alert for other affected areas. Red alerts have also been issued for parts of Himachal Pradesh, Kargil, and Jammu and Kashmir, where heavy snowfall is expected.
Rescue operations involve the BRO, Army, Air Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), and state government agencies. Reports indicate heavy to very heavy snowfall in the region over the past 24 hours due to an active western disturbance.
Uttarakhand has witnessed several deadly avalanches in recent years. In February 2021, over 200 people were killed in an avalanche in Chamoli, while other incidents in 2022 and 2023 have claimed multiple lives. Experts warn that climate change, glacier retreat, and seismic activity are increasing the risk of such disasters.
Authorities have urged residents and travelers to exercise caution as adverse weather continues to impact the region.
