Badrinath, Uttarakhand – A massive avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village in Chamoli district on Friday, burying approximately 41 workers under snow. The disaster occurred in the morning between Mana and Mana Pass, a high-altitude border area, while labourers were clearing snow to support Army movement near the India-Tibet border.
Of the 57 workers initially at the site, 16 have been rescued and shifted to a nearby Army camp. Four of those rescued are in critical condition, receiving urgent medical attention. Rescue efforts are ongoing, hampered by heavy snowfall, rain, and rugged terrain.
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed the incident, noting that multiple teams, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are battling adverse weather to save the trapped workers. No casualties have been reported so far.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured swift action, stating, “Rescue operations are in full swing with support from disaster management teams and the administration. We are committed to evacuating all stranded workers safely.” The site, located 300 km from Dehradun, remains under active snowfall, slowing progress.
Key Points: Avalanche at BRO Camp in Badrinath
- Incident: An avalanche hit a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, on Friday morning.
- Location: Between Mana and Mana Pass, a high-altitude border area near the India-Tibet border.
- Affected: Around 41 of 57 workers remain trapped under snow; 16 have been rescued.
- Rescue Status: Four rescued workers are in critical condition; no casualties reported yet.
- Operation: Workers were clearing snow to aid Army movement when the avalanche struck.
- Response: Rescue teams from ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF are deployed, facing heavy snowfall and challenging terrain.
- Official Statements:
- Chamoli DM Sandeep Tiwari confirmed multi-team efforts.
- CM Pushkar Singh Dhami assured full administrative support for safe evacuation.
- Challenges: Active snowfall and adverse weather are slowing rescue operations.
- Distance: The site is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, Uttarakhand’s capital.
