42 Workers Trapped in Avalanche in Uttarakhand; Multi-Agency Rescue Operations Underway
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Synopsis
A severe avalanche in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district trapped 42 road construction workers near Mana village. A multi-agency rescue operation is actively working to save them amidst harsh weather conditions. Authorities are prioritizing the safety and evacuation of the victims.
Key Takeaways
- 42 workers trapped in Uttarakhand avalanche.
- Multi-agency rescue efforts are in progress.
- Rescue operations hindered by weather conditions.
- Union Home Minister and state officials are coordinating the rescue.
- No fatalities reported yet.
Chamoli (Uttarakhand), Feb 28 (NationPress) A significant avalanche impacted Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Friday, leaving at least 42 workers involved in road construction near Mana village, adjacent to the India-Tibet border, trapped beneath the snow. A coordinated rescue operation is currently in progress, as reported by officials.
Reports indicate that 57 workers were on-site when the avalanche struck. While 15 individuals have been rescued and urgently transported to an army camp in critical condition, efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining trapped workers.
The rescue initiatives are being conducted by various 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.
According to an Army statement, the avalanche occurred around 7.15 a.m. near a BRO camp, located approximately 3 km ahead of Badrinath Dham, where workers were engaged in snow clearance for army movements. The Army's rapid response teams, comprising over 100 personnel from the Ibex Brigade, medical staff, ambulances, and heavy machinery, were swiftly deployed.
An army official mentioned that ongoing snowfall and intermittent smaller avalanches are hampering rescue efforts, which are being conducted with utmost caution. The General Reserve Engineer Force (GERF) is also working to clear the road connecting Joshimath and Mana, while additional medical resources from Joshimath are being mobilized.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on X: "I spoke with Chief Minister @pushkardhami ji, DG ITBP, and DG NDRF regarding the Chamoli avalanche. Our top priority is to ensure the safe evacuation of 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, stating: "We have received distressing news about workers being buried under an avalanche during the BRO's construction work near Mana. Rescue operations by ITBP, BRO, and other teams are ongoing. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for everyone's safety."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also remarked: "An unfortunate avalanche has occurred in the Mana area of 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 the 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 snow clearance for army movements when the avalanche hit. 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 the Sahastradhara helipad, awaiting better weather conditions for aerial deployment. The Army has also been alerted to clear blocked routes in Lambagad.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Uttarakhand and other hilly areas, forecasting extremely heavy snowfall of up to 20 cm until late Friday night.
Rescue teams continue to confront challenging conditions as efforts intensify to locate and save the trapped workers.
