A glacier burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district has led to an avalanche near Mana, trapping 57 workers. According to the media reports, 16 workers have been rescued, while the search for the remaining 41 is underway. The avalanche buried a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp between Mana and Badrinath.
Reportedly, the incident occurred near the National Highway connecting Mana to Ghastoli. The trapped workers were employed under a BRO contract. The rescued workers have been rushed to a nearby army hospital but are said to be in critical condition.
Rescue Operations Underway Amid Heavy Snowfall
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have been deployed to the site. Officials state heavy snowfall and continuous rain are disrupting the rescue operations. The avalanche occurred just three kilometers from the Badrinath temple.
According to the BRO, construction work was underway on a gate in Mana village when an iceberg fell on the Gir camp, burying several workers on their way to work.
Officials Respond to the Disaster
Police Headquarters Spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne stated, “A massive avalanche has occurred near the Border Roads Organisation camp in the border area of Mana, trapping 57 workers engaged in road construction. Out of these, 16 workers have been rescued and sent to the army camp near Mana in critical condition.”
Meanwhile, BRO Executive Engineer C.R. Meena confirmed that 57 workers were present at the site when the avalanche struck. Meena added, “Three to four ambulances have been sent, but due to heavy snowfall, rescue teams are facing difficulties in reaching the location”.
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