A devastating avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) project site in Mana, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, leaving four dead and five others still unaccounted for. The disaster, which occurred early Friday morning, buried 55 workers who were in their bunkers at the time. While 50 people have been rescued, search teams continue to scour the snow-covered terrain for the missing individuals. The Indian Army, along with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities, have been engaged in an intense rescue operation, hindered by harsh weather conditions and poor visibility. Senior Army officers have arrived at the scene to oversee the efforts, while medical teams are prioritizing the evacuation of injured workers. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured that the state government, with support from the Centre, is doing everything possible to aid the affected workers and their families.
The workers, hired by a private contractor for the BRO road project between Mana village and Mana Pass, were stationed in temporary bunkers when the avalanche struck. According to officials, the disaster occurred around 7:15 AM, catching many workers off guard. The challenging terrain and continuous snowfall have made rescue operations difficult, with teams facing obstacles such as freezing temperatures and the risk of further avalanches. Despite these challenges, additional personnel from the NDRF have been deployed to reinforce the ongoing rescue mission. Authorities have confirmed that the rescued workers belong to different states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Nepal. Families of the missing workers remain anxious as officials work tirelessly to locate and retrieve those still trapped under the snow.
The incident has drawn national attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending his condolences to the families of the deceased and ensuring that all necessary assistance will be provided. Weather conditions in the region have been particularly treacherous, with recent snowstorms exacerbating risks for those working on high-altitude infrastructure projects. Experts warn that avalanches in such areas are becoming increasingly frequent, raising concerns about safety measures for workers engaged in road and border development projects. The tragic event has once again highlighted the dangers of construction work in the Himalayas, prompting authorities to review protocols for safeguarding laborers stationed in vulnerable locations. As search and rescue operations continue, officials remain hopeful that the remaining five workers can be found alive, despite the harsh conditions.
