Uttarakhand avalanche: Glacier burst traps 57 BRO workers near Indo-Tibet border, over 10 rescued

Over 50 workers of the  Border Roads Organisation got trapped in an avalanche near India-Tibet border in Uttarakhand on Friday. Rescue efforts are on and over 10 workers have been rescued.

According to officials, as many as 57 workers of the Border Roads Organisation got trapped under an avalanche near Mana in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. The glacier burst reportedly buried a camp of the organisation located between Mana and Badrinath, officials said. Rescuers including personnel from armed forces, National Disaster Rescue Force and State Disaster Rescue Force have rushed to the spot.

Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari said the workers were engaged in snow clearance work in the region and rescue efforts are progressing. “Around 57 labourers engaged in snow clearance work were camped there. Teams of ITBP, Army and SDRF have been mobilised for rescue operation. Due to active rainfall and snowfall situation in the district, we are not able to use helicopter services, and there is also difficulty in movement,” ANI reported quoting Tiwari. 

The district magistrate added efforts are being made to establish communication, however, there are no satellite phones there. Mana is the last village on the India-Tibet border, located at a height of 3,200 metres above sea level.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said 16 workers have been rescued and efforts are underway to rescue others. Earlier, tweeting about the incident, Dhami said, “Sad news was received about many workers being buried under avalanche during the construction work being carried out by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by ITBP, BRO and other rescue teams. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for the safety of all the labour brothers.”