by Our Correspondent in New Delhi
A massive avalanche triggered by a glacier burst in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand has left dozens of construction workers trapped under snow. The incident occurred near Mana village in Chamoli district, close to the India-China border.
Authorities reported that a total of 57 workers were initially trapped when the avalanche struck. So far, rescue teams have managed to pull out 32 workers, while at least 25 remain stranded under heavy snow. A joint rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is currently underway despite challenging weather conditions.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by heavy snowfall, which has made access to the site increasingly difficult. The avalanche site is located less than five kilometers from the sacred Hindu temple of Badrinath, a popular pilgrimage destination that draws hundreds of thousands of devotees each year.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the tragedy. “Sad news has been received about many workers being buried under snow due to an avalanche during construction work. Relief and rescue work is being conducted by ITBP, BRO, and other teams,” he stated.
Medical support has been mobilized, with at least three ambulances dispatched to the location. However, adverse weather conditions, including persistent snowfall and rainfall, have prevented authorities from deploying helicopters for aerial rescue efforts. Communication with the affected area remains challenging due to the lack of satellite phones and other necessary equipment, Chamoli district magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed.
The situation remains critical as rescue teams battle against time and harsh conditions to save the remaining trapped workers. Authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation, urging locals and travelers to exercise caution in the region.
