On February 28, 2025, tragedy struck the Indian Himalayan state of Uttarakhand as an avalanche descended upon workers at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) site near Mana village, leaving at least 25 people missing. The disaster unfolded under severe weather conditions, characterized by heavy snowfall and blizzard-like conditions, prompting immediate rescue operations.
The avalanche occurred at approximately midday, burying eight containers and one shed with 57 workers inside. Fortunately, rescue efforts have successfully recovered 32 workers, who were transported to a nearby army camp for medical attention. The status of the remaining workers remains uncertain, deeply concerning the families and friends waiting for news.
Chamoli District Administrator Sandeep Tiwari confirmed the rescue operations were underway, noting, “We are working round the clock to locate those still missing.” Despite these efforts, the aggressive weather is hampering the search, as strong winds and continuous snowfall transform the area’s terrain. Deepam Seth, the state’s chief police officer, detailed the difficulties faced by rescue teams, stating, “It has been snowing with strong winds. … The roads are completely blocked. We have deployed snow cutters to open the road.”
Officials report there had been warnings about avalanche risks since the evening prior, intensifying concerns among local authorities and team leaders. Ridhim Agarwal of the state disaster relief force explained plans to deploy high-altitude rescue teams via helicopter when weather conditions improve, but for now, crews are limited to traversing the rough terrain on foot, trudging through several feet of snow.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sorrow over the incident, assuring the public of the administration's commitment to facilitate all necessary rescue operations. “I am closely monitoring the situation,” he stated via social media, as detailed footage emerged of rescuers laboriously carrying individuals on stretchers through the deep snow.
The remote region of Mana, situated near India’s border with Tibet, is typically home to few permanent residents, with laborers mobilizing there during winter to work on border infrastructure projects. Gaurav Kunwar, a former village council member, noted the area’s migratory nature, emphasizing, “No one lives there permanently. It's a migratory area and only labourers working on border roads stay there in the winter.” This dynamic complicates rescue efforts, as communication and access become exceedingly challenging during harsh weather conditions.
Rescue teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and local agencies have been dispatched, employing ambulances and emergency protocols to aid the workers affected by the avalanche. Colonel Ankur Mahajan, commander with the BRO, updated reporters on the status of the rescued individuals, saying they were receiving medical treatment but, “the extent of their injuries is unclear,” indicating both physical and emotional strain from such sudden, perilous events.
Adding to the weight of the disaster, the India Meteorological Department had previously issued warnings for heavy rainfall and snow across northern Indian states including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. With orange alerts activated for several districts, authorities anticipated more severe weather patterns, worsening the conditions for both rescue operations and those still trapped.
This avalanche marks yet another episode of calamity within the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan region. Avalanches are not uncommon here, driven by environmental factors exacerbated by climate change. Increased development activities, deforestation, and alterations to natural landscapes may contribute to intensified weather patterns, leading to tragedies such as this. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the impacts of climate change, with scientists warning of its capacity to amplify weather anomalies and natural disasters.
The historical backdrop of Uttarakhand also bears the scars of natural catastrophes, including the horrendous flash floods of 2013, which claimed approximately 6,000 lives due to previous glacial melt and landslide events. Such incidents have prompted calls for comprehensive reviews of development projects across the state to mitigate future risks.
Simultaneously, as authorities tackle this avalanche disaster, efforts persist to aid several workers trapped within another incident at Nagarkurnool, localizing the state's battle against nature’s fury. Rescue operations continue 24/7, with hopes intact for the safe recovery of all missing individuals.
With the danger still looming, the region watches intently, praying for favorable weather conditions and the safe return of those separated from their families. Tragedies such as the one at Mana are sobering reminders of the vulnerabilities inherent to high-altitude labor and the need for continual progression on measures to protect those who labor at the frontiers of India’s challenging landscapes.