By Massive Avalanche Hits Construction Site
At least four construction workers lost their lives after a massive avalanche struck a highway project near Mana Pass, close to India’s border with Tibet. The Indian Army confirmed the incident, which took place in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Rescue Efforts and Missing Workers
Initially, 55 workers were trapped under thick layers of snow and debris. While 50 workers were rescued, four of them succumbed to injuries. Efforts are still ongoing to locate the five missing workers, with military helicopters and specialized rescue teams scanning the area despite harsh weather conditions.
Harsh Weather Slows Operations
Rescue teams, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), faced extreme snowstorms, heavy snowfall, and poor visibility, which slowed down operations. The trapped workers were involved in a highway widening and blacktopping project spanning a 50-kilometer stretch from Mana village to Mana Pass.
Uttarakhand’s Avalanche Risks
The Himalayan region, especially Uttarakhand, is highly prone to avalanches and flash floods, largely due to climate change and rising global temperatures.
In recent years:
- 2022: An avalanche killed 27 trainee mountaineers in Uttarakhand.
- 2021: A glacier burst caused devastating floods, claiming over 200 lives.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns
Authorities are investigating the safety measures at the construction site. Officials have assured that the injured workers are receiving immediate medical attention.
The Indian Army and disaster response teams remain on high alert as search operations continue.
