Chamoli (Uttarakhand), February 28: A devastating avalanche hit Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday, trapping 47 workers involved in road construction under massive blocks of snow. The workers, part of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), were engaged in construction work in the border area near Mana village, located in the Badrinath region.
As per officials, rescue teams comprising personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army are actively working on the ground to save the trapped workers. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that the rescue operations are ongoing and expressed his concern for the workers.
IG Nilesh Anand Bharne, spokesperson for the Police Headquarters, stated that out of the 57 workers trapped, 10 have been rescued and are being transported to an army camp near Mana in critical condition. “A massive avalanche occurred near the BRO camp in Mana, trapping 57 workers. Ten workers have been rescued and sent for treatment,” Bharne informed ANI.
BRO Executive Engineer CR Meena also highlighted the challenges faced by the rescue teams due to the heavy snowfall in the area. “The rescue operation is ongoing, but the team is facing difficulties due to the heavy snowfall,” Meena said, adding that ambulances have been dispatched, but snow-covered roads are hindering access to the affected area.
Chief Minister Dhami shared his distress over the situation and conveyed his prayers for the safety of the workers. “Sad news was received about many workers being trapped under an avalanche during construction work carried out by BRO near Mana village. Relief and rescue operations are underway by ITBP, BRO, and other teams. I pray for the safety of all the labour brothers,” CM Dhami wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The avalanche struck just a day after the Lahaul and Spiti Police issued an avalanche warning for the region on February 28, cautioning both locals and travelers to be vigilant. The advisory indicated that medium-size avalanches could be triggered on extreme slopes in the region, urging people to avoid risky routes.
Efforts to rescue the trapped workers continue, and authorities are doing everything possible to reach those still buried under the snow.