Given the increasing frequency of such disasters, the government aims to set up better early warning systems and improve emergency response times

While the authorities have claimed that rescuers evacuated 47 workers — one of whom later died — local media quoted a worker from Joshimath hospital as saying he was among 23 labourers who had managed

Four Army choppers have been pressed into rescue operations to save eight people still trapped under snow in the avalanche that struck near Mana Village in Chamoli district of the state, district magistrate Sandeep Tiwari said on Saturday.

Five BRO workers are still trapped in the avalanche that hit Chamoli's Mana village on Friday. The SDRF has flown to Joshimath with a Victim Locating and Thermal Image Camera to intensify the rescue operation.

Chamoli District Magistrate, Sandeep Tiwari, said earlier today, "Yesterday, doctors have confirmed four deaths. Earlier, the total number was 55, but now we have the information that one of the workers was on unauthorised leave, and he is home. The total number has been reduced to 54, out of which four people are still missing..."

According to Commander IBEX Brigade Brigadier MS Dhillon, the eight people died after a BRO camp in Mana was hit by a massive avalanche.