At least 10 workers have been rescued while 47 remain trapped following an avalanche that struck Uttarakhand’s Badrinath and its surrounding areas on Friday. The workers were reportedly employed by a contractor engaged in road construction for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The avalanche occurred near Mana village, beyond Badrinath, after heavy snowfall. Initial reports indicated that 57 workers were present at the site at the time of the incident.
While some managed to escape, 10 have been rescued so far, and efforts are underway to reach the remaining trapped individuals.
Rescue operations are in progress with teams from the administration and BRO making their way to the affected site. Personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Garhwal Scouts are actively involved in the rescue efforts along with local residents.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami acknowledged the incident and expressed concern for the trapped workers.
In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dhami said, “Sad news was received about many workers being buried under an avalanche during the construction work being carried out by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by ITBP, BRO and other rescue teams. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for the safety of all the labour brothers.”
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the progress of the rescue operation. However, sources indicate that the situation remains difficult due to the heavy snowfall over the past two days.
Uttarakhand Police Headquarters spokesperson Inspector General Nilesh Anand Bharne confirmed that the rescued workers had been taken to an army camp near Mana in critical condition.
Meanwhile, BRO Executive Engineer C R Meena stated that three to four ambulances had been dispatched to the location. Meena also noted that the rescue team was facing challenges in reaching the site due to the adverse weather conditions.
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