An avalanche in Uttarakhand, India, has resulted in four deaths and multiple missing persons. Rescue efforts are underway for those affected, including 50 individuals who were successfully rescued. Heavy snowfall warnings have been issued in the region, complicating recovery operations.
An avalanche in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals, with several others reported as missing. This devastating incident occurred in the village of Mana, located near the Tibetan border, on a Friday.
Rescue operations have commenced to locate those affected by the avalanche, which struck a camp for road construction workers. Although about 50 individuals were rescued from beneath the snow and debris, four succumbed to their injuries, as stated by the Indian army.
Helicopters have been deployed in search of five individuals who remain unaccounted for within the mountainous terrain. Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, asserted that rescue teams are actively engaged in providing assistance in response to the disaster.
Visuals shared by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police illustrated rescuers transporting injured individuals on stretchers through significant snow accumulations, all while additional snowfall continued.
Gaurav Kunwar, a former council member from Mana, informed BBC News that the affected area serves as a migratory zone; permanent residents do not inhabit it. He noted that only laborers employed in border road construction typically stay there during the winter months, alongside some military personnel.
The India Meteorological Department issued warnings regarding heavy rainfall and snowfall across northern Indian regions, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. Orange alerts for snowfall were also raised in various districts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, underlining the severity of the weather situation.
In summary, the avalanche in Uttarakhand highlights the dangerous conditions faced by workers in mountainous regions, exacerbated by severe weather disruptions. The ongoing rescue efforts are crucial for locating those missing and supporting affected families during this distressing time. State authorities are dedicated to providing assistance amid the crisis, emphasizing their commitment to disaster response.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
