41 Workers Trapped After Huge Avalanche Near Badrinath, 16 Rescued

41 Workers Trapped After Huge Avalanche Near Badrinath, 16 Rescued

The event occurred close to the border settlement of Mana, roughly five kilometers from the Badrinath temple.

Chamoli:

Today, officials reported that at least 41 employees from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are trapped beneath an avalanche in the Chamoli area of Uttarakhand. This incident happened near the border village of Mana, which is situated about five kilometers away from the Badrinath temple.

Out of 57 workers, 16 individuals have been rescued and transported to an army facility near Mana village, albeit in critical condition, as per an official statement. 

Three to four ambulances have been dispatched to the scene, but heavy snowfall has caused delays, according to BRO Executive Engineer CR Meena in a report by ANI. 

"The weather conditions involve active rain and snowfall, making it impossible to deploy helicopters. Traveling has become challenging," explained Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari.

A team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has departed from Joshimath. The army has been called in to help clear the blocked route at Lambagad, where road access is currently hindered. Another team remains on standby at the Sahastradhara helipad. Once the weather improves, the SDRF’s high-altitude rescue team will be airlifted to the closest accessible site.

The SDRF's drone unit is also prepared. Nevertheless, drone activities are currently unfeasible due to the substantial snowfall, as stated by Ridhim Agarwal, Inspector General of Police for SDRF.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his "sadness" regarding the situation and assured that rescue and relief efforts are in progress. He stated, "I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for the safety of all the laborers."