An avalanche near Mana Pass in northern India tragically killed at least four construction workers and trapped 57 others. As rescue operations continue amid adverse weather, many of the trapped individuals are migrant laborers working on a highway project. The search efforts remain ongoing, with a focus on the recovery of the missing workers.
A tragic incident occurred in northern India near the Mana Pass, where an avalanche swept away a large group of construction workers engaged in a highway project. On Friday, reports indicated that at least four workers lost their lives, while 57 were initially trapped under snow. The Indian Army confirmed that rescuers managed to extract 50 workers, with efforts ongoing to locate five missing individuals.
Rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and poor visibility, complicating access to the disaster site. Kamlesh Kamal, a spokesperson for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, noted that operations were hampered by multiple feet of snow. The workers, many of whom were migrant laborers, were engaged in a highway widening project between Mana and the Tibet border.
Chandrashekhar Vashistha, a senior administrative official, indicated that several rescued workers sustained serious injuries and received medical attention. With continuous searching in the ecologically sensitive region prone to avalanches, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and recovery of the workers. This disaster follows a history of similar incidents in the region, underscoring its vulnerability to such natural calamities.
In summary, the avalanche in northern India has resulted in tragic loss and injury among construction workers, prompting extensive rescue efforts. The combination of challenging weather conditions and the mountainous landscape greatly complicated these operations. This incident highlights the broader concerns regarding safety in ecologically sensitive regions prone to natural disasters, emphasizing the need for improved measures in high-risk areas.
Original Source: apnews.com
