A massive avalanche buried a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Mana village, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, leaving 33 workers rescued and 22 still trapped under deep snow. Rescue efforts were halted overnight due to harsh weather and the risk of further avalanches. 

Uttarakhand’s Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman confirmed that 55 workers were present at the site when the avalanche struck early Friday morning, with two workers on leave. Despite challenging conditions, more than 65 personnel, including the Army’s Ibex Brigade and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), have been engaged in the rescue operation. Four of the rescued workers are reported to be in critical condition and are receiving treatment at the ITBP camp in Mana. 

The avalanche, which occurred between 5:30 am and 6 am, buried workers inside eight containers and a shed under seven feet of snow. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed, though poor weather has delayed their arrival. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured that all efforts are being made to rescue the remaining workers. The Indian Air Force’s Mi-17 helicopters are set to join the search-and-rescue operations on Saturday morning. 

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to prioritize the evacuation of the injured, ensuring proper medical care in hospitals, including AIIMS Rishikesh. With heavy snowfall and rain predicted, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further emergencies. 

(Business Standard)