A massive avalanche struck near Mana Camp in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday morning, burying 57 workers engaged in Border Roads Organisation (BRO) construction work. The Army and ITBP have so far rescued 32 workers, while 25 remain missing. Due to heavy snowfall, rescue operations have been temporarily halted.
Avalanche Strikes 3 Km Ahead of Badrinath
The avalanche occurred around 6 AM on the road leading to Mana Pass, three kilometers beyond Badrinath Dham. A loud explosion-like sound was heard as the entire area was engulfed in snow. Workers from Vijay Infra Construction Pvt Ltd were caught in the disaster. The Army and ITBP quickly launched a rescue mission, saving 32 injured workers and rushing them to the hospital. However, heavy snowfall and another avalanche in the afternoon forced a pause in operations.
The avalanche originated from Molpha Bank Valley of Nar Parvat and crashed onto the workers’ camp while they were asleep. ITBP personnel stationed a kilometer away sensed the danger and raised an alert. Military officers stationed 500 meters from the site managed to evacuate towards Mana, but the workers, unfamiliar with the terrain, could not escape in time. Some reportedly tried fleeing toward Badrinath.
Rescue Operations Halted Amid Adverse Weather
At around 2 PM, a second minor avalanche further complicated rescue efforts. Despite the risks, Army and ITBP personnel continued operations with remarkable bravery, rescuing several workers. However, continuous snowfall forced authorities to suspend the mission until weather conditions improve. Rescue teams are expected to resume operations on Saturday morning.
Government Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and prayed for the workers’ safe return. He assured that ITBP, BRO, and other agencies were actively involved in relief efforts. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke with the Chief Minister, offering full support.
Home Minister Amit Shah stated that ITBP, NDRF, and local administration are working tirelessly to rescue those trapped. Two NDRF teams are en route to the site.
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Echoes of the 2021 Reni Disaster
The incident brings back memories of the 2021 Chamoli Reni disaster, where a glacier collapse triggered floods, killing 206 people. Authorities have heightened vigilance in the region.
Once weather conditions improve, rescue efforts will resume to locate and save the remaining trapped workers.
