Avalanche Traps 57 BRO Workers in Chamoli, Uttarakhand; Rescue Operations On

According to reports from Uttarakhand, workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were trapped in an avalanche near the border village of Mana in Chamoli district on Friday, February 28. Initial information indicates that 57 workers employed by a private contractor are buried in the snow. These workers were residing in a camp at the site when the incident occurred.

Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that the avalanche buried a BRO camp located between Mana and Badrinath. Mana is the last village situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters on the Indo-Tibet border. In light of the ongoing snowfall and rain, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been dispatched to the location.

Police Headquarters spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne reported that a significant avalanche struck near the BRO camp, trapping 57 workers engaged in road construction. So far, 10 workers have been rescued and transported to an army camp near Mana in critical condition.

Heavy snowfall is hindering the rescue team's access

BRO Executive Engineer CR Meena stated that ambulances have been sent to the area; however, heavy snowfall is hindering the rescue team's access.

In related news, the dates for the upcoming Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand have been announced. In preparation, efforts to clear snow and repair roads near Mana village, approximately three kilometers from Badrinath Dham, are underway. On the morning of the incident, the 57 workers were engaged in snow removal when a glacier on the mountain collapsed, burying them in the snow.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami commented on the situation, stating, "57 workers of BRO were trapped, out of which 16 people have been evacuated safely, and efforts are ongoing for the rest. All kinds of preparations have been made. Our disaster management department is fully active. The district administration and we are in constant communication, and our aim is to ensure everyone's safe rescue as soon as possible."