In a tragic incident, eight road construction workers lost their lives after being caught in an avalanche in Mana, Uttarakhand, while 46 others were successfully rescued from the site. The team, part of the Border Roads Organization, was buried under several feet of snow after the avalanche struck early on Friday morning.
Avalanche Tragedy Claims Lives of Eight Workers in Uttarakhand, India
Avalanche Tragedy Claims Lives of Eight Workers in Uttarakhand, India
A devastating avalanche in northern India results in the loss of eight lives while rescuers battle severe conditions to save additional trapped workers.
Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to extreme weather conditions, including relentless snowfall and rain, which forced teams to pause their efforts intermittently. Utilizing advanced tools such as GPS, sniffer dogs, and thermal imaging cameras, rescuers managed to locate and evacuate workers. Those rescued were flown to hospitals in Joshimath, with many reported in critical condition.
The area, known for its perilous weather and high-altitude location at 3,200 meters (over 10,000 feet) close to the Tibetan border, is prone to avalanches, making the tragedy even more poignant. India’s Meteorological Department has issued warnings about the potential for more avalanches in the region. Uttarakhand has a history of deadly natural disasters, notably a catastrophic flood in 2013 that resulted in significant loss of life, as well as a similar avalanche incident in 2021 that killed 11 workers at a road organization camp.
As the community mourns the loss, attention turns to the ongoing risks faced by those working in the region and the importance of safety measures amidst tough environmental conditions.
Pragati K.B. is a reporter based in New Delhi, covering news from across India.
The area, known for its perilous weather and high-altitude location at 3,200 meters (over 10,000 feet) close to the Tibetan border, is prone to avalanches, making the tragedy even more poignant. India’s Meteorological Department has issued warnings about the potential for more avalanches in the region. Uttarakhand has a history of deadly natural disasters, notably a catastrophic flood in 2013 that resulted in significant loss of life, as well as a similar avalanche incident in 2021 that killed 11 workers at a road organization camp.
As the community mourns the loss, attention turns to the ongoing risks faced by those working in the region and the importance of safety measures amidst tough environmental conditions.
Pragati K.B. is a reporter based in New Delhi, covering news from across India.
