March 1, 2025: Uttarakhand Avalanche: 14 More Rescued, 8 Still Trapped in Chamoli
Rescue operations continue at the Uttarakhand Avalanche site in Chamoli district following a devastating avalanche on Friday that trapped 55 construction workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). As of Saturday morning, 14 additional workers were successfully rescued, though eight remain trapped under several feet of snow, officials reported.
The avalanche struck the BRO camp near Mana, located between Mana Pass and Badrinath, at around 5:30 am on Friday. The workers were buried under snow, with eight containers and a shed engulfed by the avalanche. While 33 workers were rescued by Friday evening, the remaining 22 were trapped until Saturday morning, when 14 more were safely brought out.
Uttarakhand’s Disaster Management Secretary, Vinod Kumar Suman, clarified that the number of trapped workers was 55, as two were confirmed to be on leave. The workers are from multiple states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
The rescue teams, including more than 65 personnel, face significant challenges with seven feet of snow blocking the site. The Army’s Ibex Brigade, specially trained for high-altitude rescues, has been leading the efforts, with over 100 members, including doctors and ambulances, involved in the operation.
Uttarakhand Avalanche: Rescue Operations Continue in Mana
Despite the worsening weather and the threat of additional avalanches, which had already led to two smaller snowslides, efforts to clear the workers continue. Authorities have temporarily halted operations due to the dangerous conditions.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is monitoring the situation closely, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the state of continued support for rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway remains blocked due to mountain debris, further complicating access to the region. Authorities are working to restore traffic as soon as possible.
