Rescue efforts for 42 workers trapped by Uttarakhand avalanche hampered by harsh conditions.
Blizzard conditions triggered the avalanche on Friday at a camp near the mountain village of Mana in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.
Initially, 57 workers, who were removing snow from the camp, became trapped. Fifteen were saved, but 42 remain missing, according to Ridhim Agarwal, an official from the state’s disaster relief force.
Despite an avalanche warning since Thursday evening, disaster teams face treacherous weather in their attempts to reach the stranded workers at the high-altitude camp.
Deepam Seth, the state’s top police officer, reported that the strong winds and snow are causing major disruptions, with roads being completely blocked. Snow cutters are being utilized to clear the paths, he told Indian broadcaster NDTV.
“The Indian army’s Central Command has announced the deployment of additional troops and equipment to the location,” Seth further stated.
An avalanche struck a GREF Camp near Mana village in Garhwal Sector. A number of laborers are feared to be trapped. Indian Army’s IBEX BRIGADE swiftly launched rescue operations despite continuing heavy snowfall and minor avalanches. So far 10… pic.twitter.com/adVcAu9g4g
— SuryaCommand_IA (@suryacommand)February 28, 2025
Avalanches and landslides frequently occur in the high altitudes of the Himalayas.
Scientific studies indicate that climate change is aggravating weather conditions, intensified by warmer oceans.
The rapid development in sensitive Himalayan regions also raises concerns about the environmental impact of deforestation and construction.
In 2021, a glacier collapse in Uttarakhand claimed nearly 100 lives when a large section of ice fell into a river, resulting in flash floods.
Severe monsoon floods and landslides in 2013 led to 6,000 fatalities, prompting calls for a reassessment of development projects in the state.
As the search continues for those trapped in the partially collapsed tunnel in Nagarkurnool for a seventh day, rescue efforts in Uttarakhand remain a top priority.
