Avalanche Traps Road Construction Workers in Uttarakhand's Chamoli, 25 Remain Missing
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Synopsis
In Chamoli, Uttarakhand, a devastating avalanche has trapped 25 out of 57 road construction workers. Multi-agency rescue operations are hampered by severe weather conditions. While 32 workers have been rescued, efforts continue to locate the remaining individuals.
Key Takeaways
- 25 workers still missing after avalanche.
- 57 workers were engaged in road construction.
- Multi-agency rescue efforts underway.
- 32 workers rescued and in critical condition.
- Ongoing snowfall complicates rescue operations.
Chamoli (Uttarakhand), Feb 28 (NationPress) Approximately 25 of the 57 workers caught in the snow as a significant avalanche hit Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Friday are still awaiting rescue, as a multi-agency operation struggles against the harsh weather and challenging terrain, officials reported.
As per reports, 57 workers were involved in road construction near Mana village, situated close to the India-Tibet border, when the avalanche struck. While 32 have been rescued and transported to an army camp in critical condition, efforts are ongoing to locate and extricate the remaining workers.
Rescue operations are being conducted by several agencies, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Army.
An Army statement indicated that the avalanche hit around 7.15 a.m. near the workers' camp, approximately 3 km ahead of Badrinath Dham, where workers were clearing snow for army movement. The Army's rapid response teams, comprising over 100 personnel from the Ibex Brigade, along with doctors, ambulances, and heavy machinery, were promptly mobilized.
According to an army official, ongoing snowfall and intermittent smaller avalanches are hampering rescue efforts, which are being carried out with utmost caution. The General Reserve Engineer Force (GERF) is also engaged in clearing the road between Joshimath and Mana, while additional medical resources from Joshimath are being deployed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on X: "I spoke with Chief Minister @pushkardhami ji, DG ITBP, and DG NDRF concerning the Chamoli avalanche. Our primary focus is to safely evacuate those trapped. The local administration is fully engaged in rescue efforts. Two NDRF teams are also en route."
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the incident, remarking: "We have received sad news about workers being buried under an avalanche during BRO's construction work near Mana. Rescue operations by ITBP, BRO, and other teams are actively underway. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for everyone's safety."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also remarked: "An unfortunate avalanche has impacted the Mana area in Joshimath, affecting the BRO's GREF camp. I have communicated with CM @pushkardhami. The administration is providing all possible support, and the Army is leading rescue efforts with all available resources."
District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari has instructed officials to expedite the rescue mission. He confirmed that 57 workers were engaged in clearing snow for army movement when the avalanche struck. As of now, no fatalities have been reported.
A team from the SDRF has been dispatched from Joshimath, while a high-altitude rescue team remains on standby at Sahastradhara helipad, waiting for improved weather conditions for aerial deployment. The Army has also been contacted to clear blocked routes in Lambagad.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Uttarakhand and other hilly regions, warning of extremely heavy snowfall—up to 20 cm—until late Friday night.
Rescue teams continue to face challenging conditions as efforts intensify to locate and save the trapped workers.
