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An avalanche in Uttarakhand's Badrinath Dham has trapped 42 workers under the snow on the National Highway. The incident occurred near the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in the Mana border area, which connects Mana to Ghastoli. Heavy snowfall over the past 48 hours caused a glacier to collapse onto a river, leading to the disaster. The workers were involved in road construction when they got trapped under the snow.
Following the avalanche, multiple rescue teams were sent to the site. The Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and BRO personnel launched an immediate rescue operation. Initially, 57 workers were trapped, but 15 have been rescued so far. They have been taken to a nearby Army camp for medical treatment.
Police Headquarters spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne confirmed that efforts are continuing despite the severe weather. Heavy snowfall is making the rescue operation more challenging.
Difficulties in Rescue Work
The ongoing heavy snowfall is creating problems for the rescue teams. Executive Engineer CR Meena stated that four ambulances were sent to the location, but reaching the site has been difficult. Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari also said that helicopter services cannot be used at the moment due to bad weather. However, he assured that there are no reports of casualties so far.
The avalanche has caused significant damage to construction sites near the glacier and blocked the road at Lambagar. This has made it difficult for the State Disaster Response Forces to move forward. Due to continuous snowfall, the government has warned people in the area to remain cautious.
Government's Response and Assistance
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that rescue and relief efforts are in full swing, with BRO, ITBP, and other teams working together. He expressed hope that all workers will be rescued safely and said that prayers are being offered to Lord Badri Vishal for their well-being.
The Prime Minister's Office and the Home Minister's Office are closely watching the situation and providing necessary assistance. Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh have spoken to the Chief Minister and assured full support. Shah confirmed that the local administration and NDRF teams are working tirelessly on the rescue operation. Singh also mentioned that local Army units are fully involved in the efforts to save the trapped workers.
Avalanche Warning in Jammu and Kashmir
Meanwhile, an avalanche alert has been issued for higher-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir. People in these regions have been advised to stay alert, avoid dangerous areas, and take precautions. Authorities are warning travelers not to go into avalanche-prone zones to avoid accidents.
The Badrinath avalanche highlights the dangers faced by workers and residents in snow-covered regions. The rescue operation is ongoing, with teams doing their best to bring everyone to safety and provide medical help to those in need.
