In a remarkable rescue operation, 46 construction workers were saved after being trapped in metal containers for nearly two days following a devastating avalanche in the Indian Himalayas. The avalanche, which struck early on February 28, 2025, near Mana village in Uttarakhand, claimed the lives of eight workers and highlighted the perils of working in high-altitude regions.
The Avalanche and Immediate Impact
At approximately 5:30 AM IST, an avalanche triggered by heavy snowfall descended upon a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp situated over 10,000 feet above sea level near the India-China border. The sudden onslaught buried 54 workers who were residing in eight metal containers and a shed at the site.
Survival Inside Metal Containers
The trapped workers endured subzero temperatures, with some survivors crediting the structural integrity of the metal containers for their survival. These makeshift shelters provided sufficient oxygen and protection against the harsh conditions until rescuers arrived. One survivor recounted, “It was as if God’s angels had come to save us. The way we were engulfed in snow, we had no hope of surviving.”
Rescue Operations
A massive rescue effort was launched, involving the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities. Over 200 personnel faced harsh weather conditions, heavy snowfall, and poor visibility to reach the trapped workers. Specialized equipment, including thermal imaging cameras, drones, and sniffer dogs, was deployed to locate survivors. By March 1, 50 workers had been rescued, though four succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to eight.
Survivor Accounts
Survivors described the harrowing experience of being buried under snow and debris. One worker recalled hearing a loud roar before everything went dark, leaving him struggling to breathe under thick snow. Another recounted how the avalanche hit their container like a landslide, causing it to slide down the mountain. The resilience of the metal shelters played a crucial role in their survival, providing just enough oxygen until rescuers arrived.
Environmental Context
The Himalayan region, particularly Uttarakhand, is prone to avalanches and landslides, especially during winter months. Factors such as climate change, deforestation, and rapid construction have contributed to the increasing frequency and severity of such natural disasters. This incident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures and preparedness for workers in these ecologically sensitive and high-risk areas.
The successful rescue operation stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless efforts of the rescue teams who braved extreme conditions to save lives.
