Avalanche in Uttarakhand: Four Dead, Five Missing as Rescue Efforts Continue
An avalanche in Uttarakhand, India, resulted in four deaths and five missing workers from a construction camp near Mana village. Rescues are hindered by blocked roads, prompting the deployment of six helicopters. The incident highlights ongoing risks of avalanches in the Himalayas, exacerbated by climate change and rapid development.
In Uttarakhand, India, an avalanche struck a remote border area, resulting in at least four fatalities and five individuals still unaccounted for, as confirmed by military officials. The incident occurred on Friday at a construction camp near Mana village, close to the Tibetan border. Out of 55 workers buried under snow and debris, 50 were initially rescued; however, four of these later died from their injuries. The Indian army reported these casualties and noted ongoing search efforts.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with six helicopters deployed to search for the five missing workers due to blocked roads. Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the government’s commitment to providing support to those impacted by the disaster. According to reports, Mana village’s residents had previously relocated to lower altitudes to avoid severe weather.
Avalanches and landslides are frequent occurrences in the Himalayan region, especially during winter months. Climate scientists indicate that climate change exacerbates weather events, while increased development activities have raised concerns regarding ecological imbalances from deforestation and construction. Historical data shows that past events, such as the 2021 glacier incident and devastating floods in 2013, have resulted in significant casualties, highlighting the need for reevaluating development practices in vulnerable areas.
The avalanche in Uttarakhand has led to tragic fatalities and significant rescue operations, underscoring the dangers associated with mountainous regions exacerbated by climate change. With the historical context of similar disasters, there is an urgent need for greater scrutiny of development policies in these fragile ecosystems. The commitment of local authorities to assist affected families during this crisis reflects the ongoing challenges faced in disaster management.
Original Source: www.france24.com
