Avalanche in Uttarakhand Traps Road Workers, Rescue Operations Underway

Officials report that the avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation camp in Uttarakhand, with 16 workers rescued so far. As search and rescue teams face difficult conditions, the extent of injuries remains unclear while authorities warn of adverse weather in the region.

A massive avalanche has struck a remote area in Uttarakhand, India, trapping at least 41 road workers who were at a camp belonging to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The incident occurred in Mana, a region close to the Tibetan border. According to police spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne, 16 workers have already been rescued and provided shelter at a nearby military camp.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed on social media that active rescue operations are being conducted by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the BRO, along with other teams. However, as treacherous weather conditions complicate the efforts, details regarding possible fatalities remain unconfirmed.

Colonel Ankur Mahajan, a commander with the BRO, disclosed that those rescued are currently receiving medical attention, although the severity of their injuries has not yet been assessed. Local resident Gaurav Kunwar, a former village council member of Mana, provided context on the situation, noting that the area is primarily inhabited by laborers during the winter, as it is not a permanent settlement.

Heavy rainfall and snowfall warnings have been issued for the northern states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as Jammu and Kashmir, prompting an orange alert in various districts. The India Meteorological Department cautioned that these adverse weather conditions contribute to the dangers faced by rescuers on the ground.