41 workers trapped in avalanche near Badrinath, 16 rescued
What's the story
At least 41 workers are feared trapped after an avalanche hit Uttarakhand's Badrinath and its surrounding areas on Friday. District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari said the avalanche occurred near the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) site between Mana village and Mana Pass, where 57 workers were clearing snow from the road to facilitate army mobility. No casualties have been reported so far. Rescue operations are underway, with Garhwal 9th Brigade and BRO leading the efforts.
Rescue challenges
Rescue efforts hampered by adverse weather conditions
Teams from various agencies, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), district administration, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), are also involved. Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari has said active rainfall and snowfall are making the rescue operations difficult. He said, "Since satellite phones and other such equipment are not available there, we have not been able to have clear communication with them."
Twitter Post
We are getting all the support: DM
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | On avalanche near Mana, DM Chamoli Sandeep Tiwari says, "Around 57 labourers engaged in snow clearance work were camped there. Teams of ITBP, Army and SDRF have been mobilised. Due to active rainfall and snowfall situation in the district, we are not able… pic.twitter.com/pEjqFdHoqo
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025
Official response
Uttarakhand CM expresses concern over avalanche incident
An SDRF team from Joshimath is headed to the rescue while another stands by in Dehradun for airlift. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed his concern over the incident on social media platform 'X.' He wrote, "Sad news has been received about many workers being buried under snow due to avalanche during construction work being conducted by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district."