An avalanche in Uttarakhand, India, resulted in four fatalities and left five individuals missing following a construction site collapse. Rescue operations are ongoing with helicopters deployed, as local officials emphasize commitment to relief efforts amid adverse weather conditions.
In a tragic incident in northern Uttarakhand, India, an avalanche struck a construction camp near Mana village, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals. Following the natural disaster, rescue teams deployed helicopters to locate the five remaining workers who are still missing. A total of 55 workers were trapped beneath the snow and debris after the avalanche occurred on Friday.
According to a statement from the Indian army, 50 individuals were successfully rescued from the site; however, four of these individuals later succumbed to their injuries. “Unfortunately, four injured persons have been confirmed as fatal casualty,” the army reported. Current efforts are concentrated on the search for the five missing workers, with six helicopters utilized due to blocked road access.
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that rescue teams are diligently working to provide necessary assistance to affected individuals. “The government is fully committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected in this hour of crisis,” he conveyed in a message posted on X. Many residents of Mana village abandoned their homes in anticipation of severe weather conditions, opting to retreat to lower altitudes.
Avalanches and landslides are prevalent in the Himalayan region, particularly during winter months. Experts attribute the increasing severity of such weather events to climate change, along with concerns regarding rapid development and its impact on the sensitive ecosystem in the Himalayas. The region experienced a devastating glacier collapse in 2021, which resulted in nearly 100 fatalities, and has previously endured catastrophic floods and landslides, prompting calls for a reassessment of development initiatives.
This unfortunate avalanche highlights the dangers present in Himalayan regions, particularly due to adverse weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. The ongoing rescue efforts display the state’s commitment to assisting those impacted by such disasters, while these events underscore the necessity for careful consideration of development actions in vulnerable areas.
Original Source: www.france24.com
