Uttarakhand, India: 46 construction workers were pulled out alive after being trapped for nearly 60 hours under snow and debris following a massive avalanche in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. The disaster, which struck near Mana village, claimed the lives of eight workers while dozens remained buried under snow.
According to officials, the workers were housed in metal containers at the construction camp for a highway expansion project. These containers delivered crucial oxygen supply, enabling many to survive until rescuers reached them.
A large-scale rescue operation, involving the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration, was launched immediately. The teams opposed sub-zero temperatures and treacherous terrain, using helicopters and drones to locate and extract survivors.
Many of the rescued workers are now obtaining medical treatment in hospitals in Joshimath and Rishikesh. Satyaprakash Yadav, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh, recounted the terrifying moment, stating that, “The avalanche hit our container like a landslide. The impact broke it apart, and it landed near a river. We managed to get out on our own and took shelter in an army guest house overnight.”
Rajnish Kumar, another survivor from Pithoragarh, said most of the workers were napping when the avalanche struck. Rajnish Kumar stated that, “The snow pushed our container nearly 50 to 60 metres down. The Army arrived quickly and rescued us.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed gratitude to the rescue teams for their relentless efforts to save lives despite the challenging conditions. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy snowfall and rainfall in northern states, including Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Experts attribute the increasing frequency of avalanches and landslides in the Himalayas to climate change and rapid deforestation. Uttarakhand, in particular, has witnessed significant infrastructure expansion, raising concerns over environmental stability.
This incident comes just years after the devastating 2021 glacier burst in the state, which initiated flash floods and claimed nearly 100 lives. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, experts emphasise the urgent need for sustainable construction and disaster preparedness in the region.
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