An avalanche in Uttarakhand has trapped 42 workers under snow amid severe blizzard conditions. Initial reports indicated 57 workers were caught, with 15 rescued so far. Rescue efforts are impeded by harsh weather and blocked roads, prompting assistance from the Indian army. This incident highlights the continued risks in the Himalayan region.
An avalanche has ensnared 42 workers beneath a thick layer of snow near the border of India and Tibet. The incident, which occurred in Uttarakhand, was precipitated by extreme weather conditions that included blizzard-like scenarios. Initially, 57 construction workers clearing snow from a camp were caught in the avalanche; fortunately, 15 have been rescued while 42 remain unaccounted for, according to state disaster relief officials.
Rescue efforts are currently underway, albeit hampered by adverse weather and blocked roads. Ridhim Agarwal, an official from the disaster relief force, indicated that attempts to reach the affected workers at the high-altitude camp have become increasingly difficult. “It has been snowing with strong winds… The roads are completely blocked. We have deployed snow cutters to open the road,” stated Deepam Seth, the state’s top police officer.
The Indian army’s Central Command has announced the deployment of additional troops and resources to support the rescue operations. The camp was under an avalanche warning prior to the incident, highlighting the perennial danger posed by avalanches and landslides in the fragile Himalayan region. Climate change has exacerbated weather conditions, raising concerns regarding development in such areas.
Historically, Uttarakhand has experienced severe natural disasters, including the tragic glacier-induced flash floods in 2021 that claimed nearly 100 lives. The devastating monsoon floods and landslides in 2013 were pivotal in prompting a reevaluation of development projects within the state. Notably, Friday’s avalanche coincided with ongoing rescue operations for another group of workers trapped in a tunnel collapse in Nagarkurnool, further illustrating the grave challenges faced by rescue teams across the region.
In summary, the avalanche near the India-Tibet border has resulted in 42 workers being trapped under snow, with rescue operations facing significant impediments due to harsh weather conditions. The situation has underscored the ongoing risks associated with climate change and development in vulnerable Himalayan areas. Notably, this incident occurs within a broader context of natural disasters in Uttarakhand, which have previously led to tragic losses of life. The concerted efforts of disaster relief teams and military assistance remain crucial in rescuing those still stranded.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
