The tragedy unfolded early Friday in the village of Mana, where workers were caught beneath several feet of snow. According to the Indian Army, responders faced challenging conditions, including continuous snowfall and rain, which delayed the rescue efforts. Utilizing GPS, sniffer dogs, and thermal imaging technology, rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate the stranded personnel, many of whom were in critical condition and were subsequently airlifted to hospitals in nearby Joshimath.
The Avalanche struck the workers’ camp, part of the Border Roads Organization tasked with infrastructure development in border areas. Mana, situated at over 3,200 meters (more than 10,000 feet) and approximately 15 miles from the Tibetan border, experiences severe winter conditions that often lead to avalanches. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of potential further avalanches in the region.
Uttarakhand is known for its vulnerability to natural disasters, notably the catastrophic flooding in 2013 that claimed more than 1,000 lives. This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by workers in the mountainous terrain, particularly during the harsh winter months when local populations often migrate to lower elevations for safety.
The Avalanche struck the workers’ camp, part of the Border Roads Organization tasked with infrastructure development in border areas. Mana, situated at over 3,200 meters (more than 10,000 feet) and approximately 15 miles from the Tibetan border, experiences severe winter conditions that often lead to avalanches. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of potential further avalanches in the region.
Uttarakhand is known for its vulnerability to natural disasters, notably the catastrophic flooding in 2013 that claimed more than 1,000 lives. This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by workers in the mountainous terrain, particularly during the harsh winter months when local populations often migrate to lower elevations for safety.
