A devastating avalanche struck a highway construction site near India’s border with Tibet, killing at least four workers and leaving several others missing, the Indian Army confirmed on Saturday.
55 Workers Trapped Under Snow
The disaster occurred on Friday near Mana Pass in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, where 55 construction workers were buried under heavy snow. Emergency response teams successfully rescued 50 workers, but four of them succumbed to their injuries. Authorities continue searching for five missing laborers.
Rescue Operations Underway Despite Harsh Weather
Military helicopters and multiple rescue teams are scanning the snow-covered terrain to locate the missing workers. Officials report that extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and low visibility, are hampering operations.
Injured Workers Receive Medical Care
Senior administrative officer Chandrashekhar Vashistha stated that several workers sustained serious injuries and have been hospitalized.
Migrant Workers Among the Victims
Most of the affected workers were migrants engaged in a highway expansion project on a 50-kilometer stretch from Mana village to Mana Pass, a critical route along the Indo-Tibetan border.
Dangers of the Himalayan Region
The ecologically sensitive Himalayas are highly prone to avalanches and flash floods due to climate change and global warming. This tragedy follows past disasters, including a 2022 avalanche that claimed 27 lives and a 2021 glacier burst that left over 200 dead.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring rescue efforts persist despite adverse conditions.
