Avalanche Traps Workers in Indian Himalayas, Rescue Efforts Underway

At least 41 construction workers have been trapped by an avalanche in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli region. Rescuers, including 150 soldiers, are struggling to reach them due to adverse weather conditions. So far, 16 have been rescued, with five suffering serious injuries. Despite the challenges, officials remain hopeful for better rescue operations once conditions improve.

In the Indian Himalayas, an avalanche has trapped at least 41 individuals, primarily road construction workers, in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli region. Local officials confirmed that the incident occurred along a highway, burying approximately 57 workers under snow. So far, 16 have been rescued; five are critically injured and have been transported to a military facility for urgent medical care.

Efforts to rescue the trapped workers are ongoing, with around 150 soldiers from the Indian army participating alongside national and state disaster response forces. However, rescue operations are currently facing challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including active rainfall, hindering movement in the affected area.

Chamoli district magistrate Sandeep Tiwari stated, “Currently, the rescue operation is slow because we are facing difficulties in movement due to active rainfall.” He reassured that the operation will be expedited once weather conditions improve. Thankfully, there have been no reported casualties in this incident.

This region, located near the Tibet border and near the sacred Badrinath temple, is particularly vulnerable to avalanches, exacerbated by the effects of global warming. This is reminiscent of a tragic avalanche in 2022, which resulted in the deaths of 27 trainee mountaineers in nearby Uttarakhand.

As rescue efforts continue, information will be updated as conditions evolve, and the public is encouraged to monitor for the latest news on this developing situation.

The avalanche in the Indian Himalayas has left at least 41 construction workers trapped, with ongoing rescue operations hindered by bad weather. Although 16 workers have been rescued, five are currently in serious condition. Regional officials stress the need for improved conditions to expedite the rescue process, highlighting the area’s susceptibility to such incidents due to environmental changes.

Original Source: news.sky.com