Rescue efforts are underway in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, where an avalanche struck the high-altitude village of Mana, trapping several workers of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). According to officials, 14 more labourers have been rescued, while eight remain trapped under the snow. The incident, which occurred on Friday morning, initially left a total of 55 workers stranded, with rescue operations facing significant challenges due to harsh weather conditions and the risk of further avalanches.
The rescue teams, comprising over 65 personnel, have been working relentlessly despite facing nearly seven feet of snow in the affected area. Multiple agencies, including the Army, BRO, and disaster response teams, have been deployed to the site. Authorities have clarified that earlier reports indicated 57 workers were trapped, but it was later confirmed that two of them were on leave at the time of the incident.
The avalanche, which rolled down between 5:30 AM and 6 AM, buried the BRO camp located between Mana and Badrinath. Workers were caught inside eight containers and a shed, leaving them unable to escape as the snow rapidly engulfed the area. Visuals from the site depict a grim landscape, with rescuers navigating through thick layers of snow in challenging conditions.
The Army’s swift response teams, comprising more than 100 personnel from the Ibex Brigade, played a crucial role in the rescue operations. Equipped with specialized training for high-altitude rescues, these teams included doctors and ambulances to provide immediate medical assistance. Four of the rescued individuals were reported to be in critical condition and have been provided urgent medical care.
Rescue operations were temporarily halted due to worsening weather conditions and the risk of subsequent avalanches. Officials reported that two mild avalanches followed the initial one, further complicating the efforts. The situation remains critical as authorities continue to monitor developments closely.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been overseeing the rescue operations from the CM residence and remains in constant communication with officials at the site. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached out to Dhami, assuring him of the central government’s support in safely evacuating all those trapped.
Meanwhile, the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway near Karnaprayag has been blocked due to falling mountain debris triggered by continuous rainfall. Several locations, including Animath and Pagal Nala in the Jyotirmath Kotwali region, have been affected, and authorities are actively working to clear the route and restore traffic movement.
The Uttarakhand government has issued helpline numbers for those seeking information or assistance. Mobile numbers 8218867005 and 9058441404, along with telephone number 0135-2664315 and toll-free number 1070, have been made available for public inquiries.
