Uttarakhand Avalanche: 57 BRO Workers Trapped Near Badrinath, Rescue Operations Underway

 Uttarakhand Avalanche: 57 BRO Workers Trapped Near Badrinath, Rescue Operations Underway

A massive avalanche struck near Badrinath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on February 28, 2025, trapping around 57 workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The incident occurred near the Mana Pass, close to the India-Tibet border.

Rescue Operations Update

Rescue teams, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Army, are actively engaged in locating and evacuating the trapped workers. As of now, 16 individuals have been rescued; three of them have been transported to a military hospital for treatment. Efforts to locate the remaining 41 workers are ongoing, despite challenging weather conditions. 

Weather Conditions

The region is currently experiencing adverse weather, with heavy snowfall and cloudy skies. Temperatures are around 35°F (2°C). Today's forecast predicts additional heavy rain and snow, with potential accumulation of 15-25 cm, which may lead to flooding. These conditions are significantly hindering the rescue operations.

Government Response

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed concern over the incident, stating that all possible assistance is being provided. He mentioned that the NDRF is assisting with the rescue efforts. 

Regional Avalanche Risks

The Himalayan region is prone to avalanches, a situation exacerbated by global warming. In 2022, an avalanche in the same region resulted in the deaths of 27 trainee mountaineers.