Uttarakhand Avalanche: Four Dead, 50 Workers Rescued; Search Continues for Five Missing Laborers
A devastating avalanche struck near Mana village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on February 28, 2025, impacting a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers’ camp engaged in highway construction close to the India-China border. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of four workers, while 50 others were successfully rescued. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate five laborers who remain missing.
The avalanche occurred at a temporary BRO camp situated approximately 500 meters beyond Mana, the last Indian village before the border. At the time of the incident, 57 workers were present at the site. Rescue teams, including personnel from the Indian Army’s IBEX Brigade, have been deployed to the area. The brigade’s dedicated rescue team comprises seven officers, 17 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and 150 personnel, supported by a specialized medical unit with two doctors and four ambulances.
The challenging weather conditions, characterized by heavy snowfall and poor visibility, have significantly impeded the rescue efforts. Despite these obstacles, rescuers have employed specialized equipment and rescue dogs to navigate the treacherous terrain. Helicopters have been utilized to stage essential resources and evacuate the injured, underscoring the complexity and urgency of the operation.
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister has emphasized the government’s commitment to aiding the affected individuals, underscoring the priority of their safety. The area where the avalanche occurred is typically inhabited only by laborers and army personnel during the winter months, highlighting the inherent risks associated with infrastructure development in such volatile terrains.
This incident is a stark reminder of the ecological sensitivity of the Himalayan region, which has been increasingly prone to avalanches and flash floods, exacerbated by the impacts of global warming. In 2022, a similar tragedy occurred when 27 trainee mountaineers lost their lives in an avalanche in the same region, underscoring the persistent risks faced by those living and working in these high-altitude areas.
As rescue operations continue, the priority remains the safe retrieval of the remaining five laborers. Authorities are also focusing on providing immediate medical attention to the rescued individuals and ensuring that all personnel involved in the operations are equipped to handle the harsh environmental conditions. The incident has prompted discussions on the need for improved safety protocols and early warning systems to protect workers and residents in avalanche-prone regions.
