Authorities report the harrowing details of an avalanche that has claimed lives and left many unaccounted for in a remote area of the Himalayas.
**Avalanche Tragedy in Uttarakhand: Four Lives Lost and Several Missing**
**Avalanche Tragedy in Uttarakhand: Four Lives Lost and Several Missing**
At least four confirmed dead as rescue operations continue following a devastating avalanche in Uttarakhand, India.
A severe avalanche has struck the mountainous state of Uttarakhand in northern India, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and leaving several others missing, officials confirmed. The disaster unfolded on Friday when the avalanche engulfed a camp where road construction workers were situated in the village of Mana, a region adjacent to the border with Tibet.
The Indian army stated that approximately 50 people buried under the snow and debris had been rescued; however, the injuries sustained by four individuals proved fatal. Rescue operations are ongoing, with helicopters deployed to search for five people who are still unaccounted for, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
Local government officials, including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, reported that rescue teams are actively engaged in relief efforts, pledging support for those affected by this tragic event. “In this hour of crisis, we are committed to providing all possible assistance," Dhami said, highlighting the state’s dedication to emergency response operations.
Rescue footage shared on social media platforms depicted teams navigating through extensive snow, carrying injured workers on stretchers, even as snowfall persisted. Gaurav Kunwar, a former village council member from Mana, described the area as a "migratory zone" where seasonal laborers work, suggesting that the relatively transient population may have heightened vulnerability to such extreme weather conditions.
Kunwar noted that recent heavy rain and snow had been impacting the region for days prior to the avalanche, and local weather authorities had issued warnings about adverse weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department had predicted heavy rainfall and snowfall in adjoining northern states, including Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, elevating concerns about further avalanches.
Residents and rescue teams remain on high alert as they navigate the challenges brought on by harsh weather, showcasing the region's vulnerability to natural disasters amidst changing climate patterns.
