On February 28, 2025, a powerful avalanche struck near Mana Pass in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, resulting in the deaths of at least four construction workers and leaving five others missing. The workers were involved in a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) project focused on widening and resurfacing a highway close to the India-Tibet border. The avalanche, which occurred between 5:30 am and 6 am, buried 55 workers under heavy snow.
Rescue efforts were launched without delay, with teams from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) facing heavy snowfall, limited visibility, and freezing temperatures. By March 1, 2025, rescuers had managed to free 50 workers, though tragically, four succumbed to their injuries. The search for the remaining five missing workers is ongoing, with military helicopters and multiple rescue teams continuing the operation.
The ecologically delicate Himalayan region is prone to natural disasters like avalanches and flash floods. In 2022, an avalanche tragically took the lives of 27 trainee mountaineers, while a glacier burst in 2021 caused over 200 fatalities. These incidents highlight the region’s vulnerability and the formidable challenges rescue teams face when working in such harsh and unpredictable environments.
“An avalanche is nature’s reminder that even the strongest foundations can be shaken by the forces we cannot control.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami carried out an aerial survey of the affected area and personally spoke with the injured workers being airlifted for treatment. He assured that the government was fully committed to providing all the necessary assistance to those affected and prioritizing the safety of the workers involved.
The avalanche in Uttarakhand serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers associated with infrastructure projects in high-altitude, disaster-prone regions. As rescue operations continue, our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We also express our gratitude for the unwavering dedication of the rescue teams working under incredibly challenging conditions.
