Tragedy in the Himalayas: Avalanche Traps Workers Near Badrinath Dham

A Deadly Avalanche Strikes A massive avalanche hit a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) project site near Mana, India’s northernmost village, trapping more than 42 workers and triggering a frantic rescue operation on Friday. The sudden snow slide caught the laborers off guard as they worked in the high-altitude region near the revered Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand. Authorities have confirmed that 15 people have been rescued so far, while efforts continue to save the remaining individuals despite harsh weather conditions and logistical challenges. Rescue Operations Underway The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) quickly mobilized teams from Joshimath, while the Garhwal 9 Brigade and BRO personnel launched extensive rescue efforts. Inspector General of SDRF, Ridhim Aggarwal, stated that an additional SDRF team remains on high alert at Sahastradhara Helipad. Due to severe snowfall and road blockages at Lambagad, army assistance has been requested to clear the way. SDRF's high-altitude rescue team awaits improved weather conditions to be airlifted closer to the affected area. A drone unit has also been placed on standby, although visibility issues have hindered aerial surveillance. Five more individuals have been recovered—three of whom sustained injuries and are being treated at the army hospital in Mana. Two others are reportedly in stable condition. Communication Breakdown and Challenges The avalanche and heavy snowfall have severely disrupted communication in the region. District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari reported that 57 laborers were working at the BRO project site when the disaster struck. Helicopter rescue missions have been postponed due to the extreme weather, while the absence of satellite phones and other communication devices further complicates rescue efforts. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media, expressing his concern: “Sad news was received about many workers being buried under the avalanche during the construction work by BRO near Mana village. Relief and rescue operations are underway. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for their safety.” Adverse Weather Conditions Across North India The impact of this extreme weather is not limited to Uttarakhand. Heavy snowfall and rainfall have disrupted daily life across northern India. Schools in several districts of Jammu and Himachal Pradesh were closed as a precaution, while temperatures plummeted in Punjab and Haryana. The strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains shut due to landslides and snow accumulation. Rail, air, and road connectivity in Kashmir have also suffered setbacks. The tourist hotspots of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam witnessed heavy snowfall, adding to travel disruptions. The Srinagar airport resumed operations only after 11 AM following morning flight delays. Avalanches in the Himalayas: A Recurring Danger This tragic event is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by avalanches in the Himalayas. In 2022, an avalanche near Draupadi Ka Danda in Uttarakhand claimed the lives of 27 mountaineers during a training expedition. Similarly, in 2021, a glacier collapse in Chamoli district triggered an avalanche and flash floods, leading to the deaths of over 200 people and massive infrastructure damage, including hydropower projects. Another devastating avalanche struck the Siachen Glacier in 2016, burying ten Indian soldiers under thick ice. Rescue teams battled against time and extreme conditions, managing to pull out one survivor after six days, though he succumbed shortly after. When Will Rescue Efforts Conclude? Authorities remain hopeful that rescue operations will conclude within the next 48 hours, weather permitting. With improved conditions expected from Friday afternoon, aerial support may become feasible, expediting evacuations. Experts stress the importance of equipping remote work sites with satellite communication devices and adequate emergency infrastructure to mitigate the risks posed by such natural calamities. As rescue teams race against time, the nation watches anxiously, hoping for a successful mission and minimal casualties. While the Himalayas' rugged beauty continues to attract adventurers and workers alike, this incident underscores the unpredictable and often treacherous nature of the region. For those trapped under the snow, every moment is critical, and for the rescuers, every effort counts.   (With inputs from agencies)