Avalanche Traps Workers in UTTARAKHAND, Rescue Operations Underway

A significant avalanche struck a remote area of Uttarakhand, trapping workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Sixteen individuals have been rescued while search operations face challenges due to weather conditions.

 

At least 41 road workers have become trapped following a massive avalanche that struck a remote border area in Uttarakhand, India. Officials report that the avalanche occurred at a camp operated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in Mana, an area bordering Tibet. Police spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne confirmed that 16 workers have been successfully rescued and are currently receiving care at a nearby army camp.

The incident’s details remain unclear, with district official Sandeep Tiwari stating that there is no confirmed information regarding possible fatalities at this time. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced via social media platform X that rescue operations are in progress, aided by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the BRO among other teams.

Emergency response teams, including ambulances, have been dispatched; however, dangerous weather conditions are complicating their efforts. Colonel Ankur Mahajan from the BRO relayed to local media that those rescued are currently being treated, though the severity of their injuries remains uncertain. Gaurav Kunwar, a former local council member from Mana, provided insight into the situation: "No one lives there permanently. It's a migratory area where only seasonal laborers work at the border during the winter months. We've heard of continual rainfall leading up to this incident."

On the same day, the India Meteorological Department issued warnings for heavy rain and snowfall across northern Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, and orange alerts have been activated in various districts due to expected adverse weather conditions.