Actually, Chamoli reported on Friday, February 28, 2025, about 57 workers trapped under snow by an avalanche near a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Out of these, 32 have been rescued, while about 25 remain missing.
Incident Overview
The avalanche struck a high-zone area containing Mana village, about three kilometers from the famous Badrinath temple, near the Indo-China border. The workers were engaged in construction for the Border Roads Organisation when the incident took place. The-camp being buried under sliding snow suddenly found many trapped beneath the snow.
Rescue Operations
As soon as the news reached them, rescue operations by the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, and NDRF were initiated. Working relentlessly to save the trapped workers amid heavy weather conditions marked by active snowfall and rain.
Reports have confirmed that 32 workers have been rescued. So far, 25 others have not been found and searches continue. Heavy fog, rough terrain, and difficult climbs have posed great challenges to the rescue operations and have slowed down progress.
Official Statements
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed the incident: “Information regarding an avalanche has been received. About 57 labourers of the BRO were camped there for snow-clearing operations. Our teams-ITBP, SDRF, and Administration- have been deployed.” He also pointed out problems created by the bad weather, which has hampered helicopter services and vehicle movement.
Colonel Ankur Mahajan, commander of the BRO, expressed that, despite the recovery of ten initially, the total number of workers present at the site during the avalanche is still being confirmed. He added to the problems caused by the remote area’s lack of mobile or radio communication cover: the problem is compounded with communication and coordination between rescuers.
State response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern regarding the incident. He said: “We get the mournful news about a large number of workers, employed by BRO on a construction project near Mana village in Chamoli district, having met with an avalanche. Rescue and relief work is on by ITBP, BRO and other teams. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal to keep all the workers safe.”
The state government directed all agencies concerned to provide any and all assistance necessary and speed up rescue and relief operations. Teams with special equipment have proceeded towards the site and more are prepped and ready to aid the efforts.
Challenges in rescue efforts:
Continuous inclement weather conditions in the area are further complicating rescue operations. The snow and rain continued to increase the likelihood of further avalanche activity whilst making the ground treacherous and dangerous for rescuers. The avalanche has blocked off the road leading to the impacted area and this made any possible ground rescue extremely difficult.
Additionally, a lack of communication network in this remote region might pose an added problem as well. With no mobile or radio connectivity, coordination between the teams and real-time information relay becomes difficult and delayed the rescue operations.
Local communities have also stepped forward to lend support and assistance to the rescue operations. The joint efforts of agencies, community, and volunteers show tremendous response in making sure that people affected are safe and supported in their times of crisis.
