WATCH: Google Earth Captures Isolated Avalanche Site in Chamoli Where 25 BRO Workers Await Rescue

Uttarakhand Avalanche: Amid a massive rescue operation underway in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, where 22 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers remain trapped after a devastating avalanche struck their camp, satellite images from Google Earth have identified the remote location near Mana, the last Indian village on the India-Tibet border, situated just three kilometres from Badrinath at an altitude of 3,200 meters.

The avalanche buried the workers under deep snow and debris, prompting an urgent multi-agency rescue mission. However, extreme weather conditions and the challenging Himalayan terrain have made the operation difficult.

Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and BRO, are working against the clock to reach the trapped workers. Authorities are using advanced equipment and aerial support to clear the snow and locate survivors as efforts continue to save those still stranded.

Uttarakhand Avalanche: 32 BRO Workers Rescued, 25 Still Trapped | What We Know

Thirty-two of the 57 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers trapped under an avalanche in Mana village, Chamoli, have been rescued, while concerns mount for the remaining 25, as rescue operations were halted due to worsening weather conditions.

The avalanche struck early on Friday morning, burying a BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath under several feet of snow. Rescue teams worked tirelessly through the harsh conditions, initially pulling out 10 workers, followed by 22 more later in the day, according to officials.

Rescue Operations Face Tough Challenges

Four of the rescued workers are reported to be in critical condition, according to the Army PRO. All 32 survivors have been taken to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp in Mana for treatment.

The rescue operation was suspended after nightfall due to heavy snow, continuing bad weather, and the risk of further avalanches. Officials confirmed that two minor avalanches followed the main one, adding to the danger.

Brigade Commander Mandeep Dhillon detailed the extensive rescue efforts, stating, "Seven officers, 17 JCOs, and 150 personnel have been working since 8 am to rescue the trapped workers. There is also a specialised medical team of three doctors, four ambulances, and an engineering team working to save lives and open the route between Mana and Joshimath."

The avalanche struck at 7:15 am, burying workers inside eight containers and one shed, according to the Army. The Ibex Brigade, a specialized high-altitude rescue team, was immediately mobilized.

Weather Warnings Ignored?

Local villagers pointed out that the BRO camp is usually closed during winter due to the high risk of avalanches. "This time, the camp was not closed due to lack of snowfall earlier, which led to the workers getting trapped," said Mana village headman Pitambar Singh.

Authorities had been on high alert for bad weather, and prior warnings had been issued. The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) in Chandigarh had released an avalanche warning on Thursday at 5 pm, cautioning about risks in Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts.

Additionally, the MeT department in Dehradun had predicted heavy snowfall in areas above 3,500 meters. Following this, the State Emergency Operations Centre alerted district magistrates to the potential risks.

Government’s Response & Ongoing Efforts

Home Minister Amit Shah reassured that rescuing the trapped workers remains a top priority. In a post on X, he stated, "I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the DGs of ITBP and NDRF regarding the situation."

Similarly, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed that all available resources are being used to rescue those trapped. "An unfortunate avalanche has occurred in the Mana area of Joshimath today impacting a GREF camp of BRO. Spoke to CM Shri @pushkardhami regarding the situation. The administration is providing all assistance to the affected," he posted on X.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has rushed four teams to Chamoli, while another four units remain on standby, according to NDRF Director General Piyush Anand.

Two teams were deployed from Dehradun’s Regional Response Centre (RRC), while two others were diverted from Joshimath, 50 km from Mana, where they were conducting a training exercise.

Chamoli’s Disaster Management Officer NK Joshi highlighted the logistical challenges, stating that while Army and ITBP teams stationed in Mana have been conducting operations since morning, rescue teams coming from outside are struggling to reach the site due to bad weather.

Workers from Jharkhand Among the Missing

Reports indicate that several of the trapped workers hail from Jharkhand, though the exact number remains unclear.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren acknowledged the reports, stating, "There have been reports of several workers working under BRO in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district being trapped under a broken glacier."

Ongoing Rescue Operations

With nightfall and worsening weather hindering rescue efforts, officials are racing against time to reach the remaining trapped workers. The rescue operation is expected to resume once conditions improve.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured that every effort is being made to ensure the safe rescue of all trapped individuals.

"Our effort is to rescue all safely as soon as possible," he stated.

In a heartfelt message, Dhami also wrote on X, "Received the sad news about several labourers getting trapped in an avalanche which occurred near Mana village during construction work being carried out by the BRO. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for the safety of all the labourers."

With the rescue mission still underway, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a safe and successful evacuation of the remaining workers.