Chamoli Avalanche: 42 Workers Trapped, Rescue Teams Face Severe Weather Conditions

Chamoli /Uttarakhand - A major avalanche struck near Mana village in Chamoli district on Friday morning, trapping approximately 42 road construction workers under snow near the India-Tibet border. Multiple agencies have launched a coordinated rescue operation.

Officials report that 57 workers were at the construction site when the avalanche hit. Fifteen individuals have been rescued so far and transported to a nearby army camp in critical condition. Search efforts continue for those still trapped.

The rescue operation involves the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Army personnel. According to an Army statement, the avalanche occurred around 7:15 a.m. near a BRO camp, approximately 3 kilometers from Badrinath Dham, where workers were clearing snow to facilitate army movement.

The Army has deployed over 100 personnel from the Ibex Brigade along with medical teams, ambulances, and heavy equipment. Rescue efforts face significant challenges due to ongoing snowfall and intermittent smaller avalanches, forcing teams to proceed with extreme caution.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed on social media that he had spoken with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and disaster response officials, stating: "Our priority is to safely evacuate those trapped. The local administration is engaged in full-scale rescue efforts. Two NDRF teams are also en route."

Chief Minister Dhami expressed concern about the incident and noted that rescue operations are in "full swing." Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also stated that the Army is leading rescue efforts with all available resources.

District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari has directed officials to expedite the rescue mission. The General Reserve Engineer Force (GERF) is working to clear the road between Joshimath and Mana, while additional medical resources from Joshimath are being mobilized.

Weather conditions remain challenging, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Uttarakhand, warning of extremely heavy snowfall—up to 20 centimeters—through late Friday night. No fatalities have been reported so far as rescue operations continue.