A devastating avalanche struck the village of Mana in Uttarakhand, India, on Friday, leaving at least four people dead and several others missing. The disaster primarily affected road construction workers in the region, which lies near the border with Tibet. According to officials, dozens were buried under snow and debris as the avalanche swept through the area.
Swift Rescue Operations Amid Harsh Weather as Government Ensures Relief Efforts
Rescue operations began swiftly, with teams working tirelessly to locate survivors. Around 50 people were pulled from the snow, but four of them succumbed to their injuries. The Indian Army, along with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, has deployed helicopters to assist in the ongoing search for five missing individuals. However, the extreme weather and heavy snowfall continue to pose significant challenges to rescue efforts.
Avalanche in Uttarakhand Kills Four as Rescuers Battle Harsh Weather to Find Missing WorkersChief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured the public that relief efforts are in full swing. He reiterated that the government is committed to providing all necessary aid to those affected by the disaster. The administration is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that rescue teams receive the required resources to carry out their operations effectively.
Harsh Weather and Migratory Zone Pose Challenges for Rescue and Safety Measures
Local residents have described the affected region as a migratory zone, primarily occupied by laborers working on border roads. Former village council member Gaurav Kunwar noted that no permanent settlements exist in the area, making it difficult for authorities to track those present when the avalanche struck. Heavy rains had been reported for two consecutive days prior to the incident, likely contributing to the unstable conditions.
In response to the worsening weather, the India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy snowfall and rain across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Several districts have been placed under an orange alert due to the risk of further avalanches and landslides. Authorities are urging residents and workers in these regions to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.