Uttarakhand News: Massive Avalanche Hits Mana Border, 57 Workers Trapped

A massive avalanche struck near the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in the border area of Mana, Uttarakhand, trapping 57 workers engaged in road construction, according to Police Headquarters spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne. So far, 10 workers have been rescued and shifted to the nearby army camp in critical condition.

Uttarakhand | Police Headquarters spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne tells ANI, "A massive avalanche has occurred near the Border Roads Organisation camp in the border area of ​​Mana in which 57 workers engaged in road construction have been trapped. Out of these workers, 10… pic.twitter.com/5A6e1V7ncQ

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025

Heavy Snowfall Hampers Rescue Efforts

The rescue operations are being carried out under challenging weather conditions, with heavy snowfall making it difficult for teams to reach the affected site. BRO Executive Engineer CR Meena stated that three to four ambulances have been dispatched to the location, but the treacherous terrain and adverse weather are slowing down relief efforts. Authorities are working tirelessly to reach the remaining trapped workers as quickly as possible.

Authorities on High Alert

Local authorities, along with BRO and disaster response teams, are on high alert to ensure that the situation is handled efficiently. The Indian Army and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been alerted, and additional personnel may be deployed if needed. The focus remains on evacuating the remaining workers safely and providing immediate medical assistance to those rescued.

Frequent Avalanches Raise Safety Concerns

The region around Mana, located near the India-China border, is known for its extreme weather conditions, with frequent snowfall and avalanches posing significant risks to infrastructure projects and human lives. Experts have repeatedly stressed the need for advanced monitoring systems and improved safety measures to prevent such disasters in high-altitude work zones.

Continuous Monitoring and Further Updates Awaited

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates will be provided as the rescue operation progresses. The families of the trapped workers have been informed, and efforts are being made to support them during this critical time.

As the rescue mission continues, the focus remains on minimizing casualties and ensuring the safe recovery of all workers from the avalanche-hit site.