Rescue teams in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district have recovered three more bodies from the site of an avalanche that struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) project on Friday, raising the official death toll to seven. One worker remains missing as search and rescue efforts continue, with the Army deploying advanced technology, including drones and a specialized detection system, to locate him. Officials confirmed that of the 54 workers present when the avalanche hit, all rescued individuals have been airlifted to Joshimath Military Hospital for treatment. The district administration also clarified that one worker, initially thought to be missing, was found safe at his home in Himachal Pradesh.

The Army’s search operations, led by the IBEX Brigade, have been reinforced with eight helicopters, including five from the Army, two from the Air Force, and a civilian chopper. Additionally, a 17-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has joined the mission to assist in recovery efforts. Lt Colonel Manish Srivastava stated that an “intelligent buried object detection system” was airlifted from Delhi and transported via Dehradun to Joshimath using an MI-17 helicopter to support the operation. Multiple quadcopters, mini drones, and an avalanche rescue dog named Robin have also been deployed to enhance the search process.

Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure no one is left behind, as adverse weather conditions continue to pose challenges to rescue efforts. The avalanche underscores the persistent risks faced by workers engaged in infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region, particularly in areas prone to sudden snow slides. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about improving safety measures and emergency preparedness in such high-risk zones. With operations still underway, rescue teams remain hopeful of locating the last missing worker while ensuring the safety of those affected.