Avalanche Traps 41 Workers in Indian Himalayas: Rescue Efforts Underway
An avalanche in the Indian Himalayas has trapped at least 41 road construction workers in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli region. As rescue efforts progress, 16 individuals have been rescued, though five are critically injured. The operation faces delays due to adverse weather as the Indian army and disaster response teams assist in the rescue efforts.
At least 41 individuals are trapped following an avalanche in the Indian Himalayas, as confirmed by local officials. The tragic event transpired near a highway in the Chamoli region of Uttarakhand, where workers were involved in road construction activities. Initial reports indicated that a total of 57 workers had been buried under snow, with 16 having been successfully rescued thus far.
Among the rescued, five individuals are in critical condition and have been transported to a military facility for urgent medical attention, as reported by Sky’s India correspondent, Mr. Neville Lazarus. The Indian army has deployed approximately 150 soldiers to support the rescue efforts, collaborating with both the national and state disaster response forces.
Challenges persist in the rescue operations, primarily due to adverse weather conditions hindering movement in the area. Mr. Sandeep Tiwari, the Chamoli district magistrate, noted that “Currently, the rescue operation is slow because we are facing difficulties in movement due to active rainfall.” He promised that once weather conditions improve, they would expedite the rescue process.
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of fatalities associated with this incident. The affected area is located approximately three miles (5 kilometers) from the renowned Badrinath temple, which attracts a significant number of visitors annually. The Himalayan region has been increasingly plagued by global warming, heightening its susceptibility to avalanches, as exemplified by an avalanche in 2022 that claimed 27 trainee mountaineers in Uttarakhand.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by rescue teams in adverse weather conditions, particularly in the vulnerable Himalayan region. While progress has been made in rescuing some individuals, the potential for further complications remains due to environmental factors. Continued monitoring and assistance from the Indian army and disaster response teams are essential for ensuring the safety of those still trapped.
Original Source: news.sky.com
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