At least 41 road construction workers are unaccounted for following a substantial avalanche in Mana, a remote locale in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. Authorities have confirmed that 16 workers have been successfully rescued and transferred to an army facility for medical care. The avalanche struck a camp operated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) as adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and potential snowfall, have been reported in the region.
Police spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne reported the recovery efforts to ANI news agency, indicating that the ongoing rescue mission is being coordinated with multiple agencies including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the BRO. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media platform X to affirm that rescue operations are of high priority, while treacherous weather has hindered access.
Colonel Ankur Mahajan from the BRO stated that although those rescued are currently receiving treatment, the severity of their injuries remains unknown. Furthermore, Gaurav Kunwar, a former village council member from Mana, noted that the area is typically not inhabited year-round and accommodates laborers employed in border road construction during the winter season. An avalanche during adverse weather conditions has led to tragic consequences with 41 workers still missing, prompting immediate help from emergency responders.
Earlier on Friday, meteorological authorities issued warnings for heavy rain and snow across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir regions. These incidents highlight the dangers faced by workers in these mountainous terrains, particularly under severe weather conditions, as the search for the missing individuals continues.
