At least four workers lost their lives after being trapped under a massive avalanche in the high-altitude village of Mana in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district.
A total of 55 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers were caught in the avalanche, which struck on Friday morning. While 50 workers were successfully rescued, efforts to locate the remaining five are still ongoing under challenging conditions.
Avalanche buries BRO camp
The avalanche struck the BRO camp between 5:30 am and 6:00 am, burying workers inside eight containers and a shed, according to the Indian Army. The site, situated in an extremely remote and treacherous terrain, has posed significant challenges for the rescue teams.
Rescue personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army were immediately mobilised to the site, launching an urgent operation to extricate the trapped workers. However, severe snowfall, freezing temperatures, and difficult terrain have complicated the mission.
“A massive avalanche hit the camp, trapping 55 workers. Two of them were on leave at the time. ITBP and Army personnel stationed nearby swiftly initiated rescue operations despite the relentless snowfall and extreme weather conditions,” said Sandeep Tiwari, District Magistrate of Chamoli.
Rescue efforts hampered by adverse weather
Heavy snowfall and rain severely impeded rescue efforts on Friday, forcing teams to suspend operations as darkness fell. However, as weather conditions improved on Saturday, authorities ramped up evacuation efforts by deploying helicopters.
According to the Defence PRO in Dehradun, six helicopters were engaged in the evacuation process due to road blockages. The fleet includes three Cheetah helicopters from the Indian Army, two Cheetah helicopters from the Indian Air Force, and one civil helicopter.
Uttarakhand CM conducts aerial survey
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the avalanche-hit region on Saturday to assess the situation. He also visited an injured worker who was being airlifted to Jyotirmath for treatment.
“Conducted an aerial survey of the avalanche-hit area near Mana in Chamoli district to take stock of the situation,” Dhami said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He further stated that officials had been instructed to expedite relief and rescue operations. “Our government is taking prompt action to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected workers,” he added. Rescue efforts remain ongoing as authorities work tirelessly to locate the missing workers amidst the harsh conditions.
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