14 More Labourers Rescued from Avalanche in Uttarakhand; 8 Still Trapped

Search teams have rescued 14 more labourers trapped under an avalanche in the high-altitude village of Mana, in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. However, eight workers remain trapped as of Saturday morning. The avalanche struck on Friday, initially burying 55 workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). By Friday night, 33 had been rescued, and 14 more were freed on Saturday.

Uttarakhand’s Disaster Management Secretary, Vinod Kumar Suman, clarified that earlier reports had incorrectly stated that 57 workers were trapped. “Two of the 57 labourers feared trapped were actually on leave,” Suman confirmed, noting that the actual number of workers caught in the avalanche was 55.

The trapped workers, who hail from various states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir, were stationed at a BRO camp when the avalanche struck early on Friday, between 5:30 am and 6 am. The snow buried them inside eight containers and a shed. The Army’s Ibex Brigade, which specializes in high-altitude rescues, quickly mobilized to assist in the operation, deploying over 100 personnel, including doctors and ambulances.

Rescue operations have been complicated by harsh weather conditions and the seven feet of snow near the avalanche site. While many of the rescued workers are reported to be in stable condition, four were said to be in critical condition.

The severe weather and the risk of additional avalanches temporarily halted the rescue efforts. Two smaller avalanches followed the main one, making the area even more dangerous for rescuers.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the rescue operations, staying in constant touch with officials at the site. "I am monitoring the situation closely," Dhami said, stressing that ensuring the safe rescue of the trapped workers remains the government's priority.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reassured Chief Minister Dhami, assuring him that the government’s primary concern is the safe evacuation of the trapped workers. To aid in the efforts, the Uttarakhand government has set up helpline numbers: Mobile No: 8218867005, 9058441404; Telephone No: 0135 2664315; and Toll-Free No: 1070.

Meanwhile, the Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway near Karnaprayag has been blocked due to falling mountain debris caused by continuous rainfall. Officials said debris has accumulated at multiple locations, including Animath and Pagal Nala in the Jyotirmath Kotwali region. Authorities are working to clear the debris and restore traffic flow. The highway had been temporarily closed on Friday after the avalanche struck the region, and efforts continue to reopen the route safely.