- 4 fatalities confirmed among 50 rescued workers
- 5 still missing after Friday avalanche near Mana Pass
- Military helicopters deployed in ongoing search operations
- 2022 Uttarakhand avalanche claimed 27 lives
The Himalayan region witnessed another tragedy as rescue teams worked through snowstorms to locate construction workers buried under an avalanche near India's border with Tibet. Authorities confirmed four fatalities among 50 workers pulled from the snow, with five still missing 24 hours after the disaster.
Chandrashekhar Vashistha, district magistrate, revealed that hospitalized survivors sustained critical injuries from both the avalanche impact and sub-zero temperatures. The construction crew had been working on a strategic highway expansion project along a 31-mile stretch when the avalanche struck without warning.
Military response teams faced unprecedented challenges according to ITBP spokesperson Kamlesh Kamal: Rescuers battled 3-foot snowdrifts and 15-meter visibility conditions. Helicopter sorties were repeatedly delayed due to sudden whiteout conditions.This marks the third major avalanche incident in Uttarakhand since 2020.
Industry analysts note a 40% increase in Himalayan infrastructure projects since 2018, with many contractors using migrant labor for high-risk assignments. Safety protocols often prove inadequate for extreme weather conditions, particularly in avalanche-prone zones above 3,500 meters elevation.
The disaster area lies within the Chamoli district, where a 2021 glacial burst killed over 200 people. Environmental scientists warn that rising temperatures have increased avalanche frequency by 22% in the past decade, particularly along India's northern border regions.
As rescue operations continue, questions emerge about worker safety standards in remote projects. The current highway expansion forms part of India's $1.2 billion border infrastructure initiative, which has accelerated construction timelines despite environmental concerns.
