Avalanche In Uttarakhand’s Chamoli Traps 47 Workers; Rescue Efforts Underway

A massive avalanche struck Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday, trapping 47 workers engaged in road construction under thick layers of snow.

The workers, part of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), were working near Mana village in Badrinath when the avalanche hit, officials confirmed.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Army are actively conducting rescue operations, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated.

Meanwhile, Police Headquarters spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne reported that rescue teams have saved 10 out of the 57 workers present at the site.

Bharne told ANI, “A massive avalanche has occurred near the Border Roads Organisation camp in the border area of Mana in which 57 workers engaged in road construction have been trapped. Out of these workers, 10 workers rescued and sent to the army camp near Mana in critical condition.”

BRO Executive Engineer CR Meena said that the rescue teams are facing significant challenges due to heavy snowfall.

“Three to four ambulances have also reached the site, but due to heavy snowfall, the rescue team is facing difficulties in reaching there,” he added.

BRO Workers Trapped In Avalanche, Praying For Their Safety: Pushkar Singh Dhami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami noted that the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and BRO are actively conducting relief and rescue operations.

Taking to X, Dhami posted, “Sad news was received about many workers being trapped under an avalanche during the construction work being carried out by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. ITBP, BRO, and other rescue teams are actively conducting relief and rescue operations. I pray for the safety of all the labour brothers.”

The avalanche comes a day after the Lahaul and Spiti Police issued an advisory warning of potential avalanches in the region until 28 February.

According to the press release, the advisory urged travelers and locals to stay cautious. It advised them to limit movement to designated safe routes. The release also warned of potential medium-sized avalanches on certain steep slopes.

“According to the DGRE and HPSDMA, there is a snow avalanche warning (Danger Level 3, Orange) in District Lahaul and Spiti up to 28th February 2025 (1700 hrs. IST) (enclosed). According to the advisory, medium-size avalanche triggering is possible on few extreme slopes and it urges restriction of movement to only safe routes,” the release read.

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