At least 41 road workers are currently missing following a significant avalanche in Uttarakhand, India. Emergency services have rescued 16 individuals, while further rescue operations are hindered by challenging weather.
Avalanche in Uttarakhand: Search and Rescue Operations Ongoing for Missing Workers
Avalanche in Uttarakhand: Search and Rescue Operations Ongoing for Missing Workers
A massive avalanche has buried road workers in Uttarakhand's Mana region, with rescue efforts facing challenges due to adverse weather conditions.
The remote border area of Mana in Uttarakhand is reeling from a devastating avalanche that has left at least 41 road workers trapped, according to local officials. The avalanche surged into a camp operated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which supports road infrastructure in these perilous terrains. Nilesh Anand Bharne, a police spokesperson, confirmed that 16 workers had already been rescued and relocated to a nearby Indian Army camp.
The situation remains critical as officials continue to assess the extent of the disaster. Senior district official Sandeep Tiwari indicated that there is currently no information regarding potential fatalities. As rescue operations are underway, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the BRO, and additional emergency teams dispatched to the scene.
The treacherous weather conditions have significantly complicated rescue efforts. Colonel Ankur Mahajan, a commander with the BRO, reported that while the rescued individuals are receiving medical treatment, the severity of their injuries remains undetermined. Gaurav Kunwar, a former village council member, noted that the area is primarily inhabited seasonally by laborers, with a limited permanent population. This seasonal work arrangement and the ongoing rain have made the situation even more precarious.
Recently, the India Meteorological Department issued warnings of heavy rainfall and snowfall across northern Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, and has raised orange alerts for impending snowfall in several districts. Rescuers are hoping for improved conditions as they work tirelessly to locate the missing workers and provide necessary aid.
