A massive avalanche in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district has resulted in the tragic deaths of four workers, while five others remain missing as rescue operations continue. The incident occurred near Mana Pass, where a construction team working on a highway project was caught in the snowstorm. Officials reported that 55 workers were trapped under thick layers of snow.
Rescue Operations Underway Despite Heavy Snowfall
Rescue teams, including the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and local administration, managed to pull out 50 workers, but four of them later succumbed to their injuries. Authorities are still searching for the remaining five missing workers, despite facing challenging weather conditions.
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari stated that four helicopters had been deployed to assist in the rescue mission. ITBP spokesperson Kamlesh Kamal added that heavy snowfall has slowed down the operations, making it difficult to access the affected site.
Army, ITBP, and UAVs Deployed for Search Operations
Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, confirmed that eight containers housing workers were trapped in the avalanche. While 22 workers managed to escape, the rest were buried under snow. UAVs and radars have been deployed to locate survivors, and efforts are ongoing to complete the rescue as soon as possible.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Assesses Situation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the avalanche site and met injured workers at Joshimath Hospital. He assured that the state and central government are working together to rescue all trapped individuals as quickly as possible. He emphasized that despite the blocked roads and extreme weather, authorities are committed to bringing everyone to safety.
Himalayan Region Prone to Avalanches and Flash Floods
Uttarakhand’s Himalayan terrain is highly susceptible to avalanches, landslides, and flash floods, often worsened by climate change. In a previous avalanche, 27 trainee mountaineers lost their lives, while a glacier burst triggered a devastating flood, killing over 200 people.
The current rescue mission is ongoing, with authorities hopeful of locating and saving the remaining trapped workers.
