Teams battle extreme weather to rescue trapped workers after a deadly Himalayan avalanche. (Pic: Skynews
(EPICSTORIAN) — A massive avalanche struck Uttarakhand’s Chamoli region, leaving 41 road construction workers trapped under heavy snow.
Rescue operations are underway, with emergency teams struggling against severe weather to reach those buried beneath the debris.
The avalanche hit a construction site along a high-altitude highway near the Tibet border, sweeping away 57 workers.
Sixteen have been rescued, according to senior police official Rajeev Swaroop, and five remain in critical condition, receiving medical treatment at a military facility.
Rain and unstable terrain have slowed the rescue effort. Chamoli district magistrate Sandeep Tiwari stated, “Movement is difficult due to continuous rainfall, but as soon as conditions improve, the operation will accelerate.”
The affected area sits five kilometers from the Badrinath Temple, a major pilgrimage site. Initial reports described the event as a glacier burst, but officials later confirmed it was an avalanche.
Himalayan regions frequently experience avalanches, a risk that has intensified in recent years.
A similar disaster in 2022 claimed 27 lives, underscoring the dangers faced by those working or traveling in these mountainous areas.
Rescue teams from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, supported by 150 military personnel, are using specialized equipment to clear debris and locate survivors.
Reports indicate no confirmed fatalities yet, though concerns remain high for those still trapped.
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Efforts continue as crews work against time, facing the dual challenge of unpredictable weather and unstable terrain.
