Avalanche in Uttarakhand Traps 25 Workers Amid Extreme Weather Conditions
Uttarakhand Avalanche Traps 25 Workers Amid Extreme Weather Conditions
Mana Pass, Uttarakhand: A devastating avalanche in Uttarakhand has trapped 25 workers near the India-Tibet border, triggering an urgent rescue operation. The incident occurred in the remote, high-altitude Mana Pass, a region known for its extreme weather and challenging terrain. Rescue teams are battling freezing temperatures and rough conditions to locate and evacuate those trapped under the snow.
The avalanche struck unexpectedly, leaving workers with little time to react. Authorities have launched an emergency response, mobilizing multiple rescue teams, including personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local disaster management authorities.
‘A Lot of Faces You Seem to Recognize’
Stranded workers are being rescued by the ITBP, NDRF and state disaster response teams. Snow-cutting machines, thermal imaging devices and sniffer dogs trained to detect people have also been deployed to find survivors trapped under the huge blanket of snow.
The official said in charge of the rescue efforts from ITBP:
“The extreme cold and altitude conditions are making it difficult to operate, but we are committed to saving every worker. Our teams are working day and night to ensure no one is left behind.”
Other rescue helicopters have been sent there to transport those rescued and render urgent medical assistance. Authorities are ensuring survivors receive oxygen support and essential medical aid before being moved to safer areas, given the high-altitude dangers.
Accounts of Survivors: The Moments After the Avalanche
Some of the workers who escaped the avalanche recounted harrowing moments as snow engulfed their camp. Thanks, one of the survivors rescued earlier said:
“It happened in seconds. Then we heard a tremendous roar, and the snow poured down from the mountains. Some of us survived, but many were covered in snow. We hope that the rescue teams will get to them soon.”
Relatives of the stranded workers have converged on the rescue site, hoping for news of their loved ones. Helpline numbers have also been established by the state government for relatives who are out seeking information regarding the ongoing rescue operation.
Heavy Rain in Uttarakhand, Avalanche Risks
High-altitude areas of Uttarakhand are susceptible to avalanches, especially in winter months when reoccurring heavy snowfall followed by sudden increase in temperature raise the threat. Meteorologists have said more snowfall and potential avalanches can be expected in the next days.
Authorities have issued weather warnings, advising trekkers and local residents to stay away from high-risk areas. Experts point to climate change and changing weather patterns as the reason avalanches are more common in the area.
“It’s just not that cool,” a senior meteorologist said of the incoming air.
“There has been a spectacular rise in extreme weather events in Uttarakhand. Unpredictable snowfall and warming patterns lead to unstable snowpacks, and in turn, increase the frequency and intensity of avalanches.”
HOW GOVERNMENTS AND AUTHORITIES HAVE RESPONDED
The Uttarakhand state government has stated, in collaboration with the central government, that every resource is being mobilised for the rescue operation. Officials closely monitor the situation and the affected workers receive appropriate assistance.
They have also kept the Indian Army and Air Force on standby as an extra backup if needed.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, expressing concern over the situation:
“We are in constant communication with the rescue operation and are ensuring that all possible assistance reaches the affected workers. Ensuring the safety of our people is our first priority.”
Still, preventing future safety violations is as important as punishing the current ones.
Experts say improvements in early-warning systems, strict safety protocols and rigorous training for workers stationed in avalanche-prone zones are needed.
The government is also looking at making avalanche detection systems in the country more widespread, ramping up training programmes for workers in high-risk areas and enhancing rapid response mechanisms that will prevent such disaster in the future.
Rescue teams have asked construction and road maintenance workers who do their jobs in high-risk areas to take specialized avalanche survival training aimed at minimizing casualties in such disasters.
Uttarakhand, India – March 3, 2025: A high-altitude avalanche hit a highway construction site at Mana Pass (Uttarakhand) near the India-Tibet border on Sunday. At least 25 workers are buried under the snow, and rescue operations are underway, but they are facing a lot of difficulties due to bad weather.
Key Updates on Avalanche Rescue Efforts
- The avalanche occurred on March 2, 2025, after heavy snowfall in the region.
- More than 200 personnel from ITBP, NDRF and Indian Army have been deployed for the rescue operation
- Eight workers have been rescued so far, and efforts are on to reach the trapped people.
- Extreme cold, unstable snow and dangerous terrain are hampering rescue efforts.
- Thermal imaging cameras, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), sniffer dogs and drones are being used to find survivors under the snow.
Government and military response
Authorities have considered the avalanche a high-risk emergency and issued travel restrictions in avalanche-prone areas. The state government of Uttarakhand has mobilised more resources and the Indian Air Force is on standby for emergency evacuation.
Key statements from officials:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “We stand with all those affected by the tragedy. Rescue teams are struggling to evacuate them safely.”
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami: “We are keeping a close watch on the situation. All efforts are on to evacuate every affected worker.”
• ITBP spokesperson: “Rescue operations are being carried out in very adverse weather conditions, but we are committed to reaching every worker.”
Climate change and rising avalanche risk
Environmental experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of avalanches in the Himalayas. Warmer temperatures are destabilising snow piles – increasing the risk of sudden collapses. This brings forth the need for strict safety standards in a construction zone at high altitudes.
Eyewitness accounts of survivors and rescue challenges
Workers who survived described the avalanche as a sudden wall of snow that completely buried the camp in a matter of seconds. Those who survived described digging out trapped comrades with their hands. Surviving is already tough, but extreme weather, including temperatures as low as –10 degrees Celsius, added salt to the injury.
What happened next?
Rescue teams have been working day and night to look for survivors. Medical aid centres have been set up at the base camp and family members of trapped workers are receiving regular updates. Experts have warned that avalanches could occur again and urged caution in the coming days.
Final Thoughts
This tragic avalanche is a grim reminder of the harsh reality of working in high-altitude, extreme weather areas. Brave rescue teams have engaged with those affected in the wake of this disaster, with the entire country on their side as every effort continues.
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