A major incident occurred on Wednesday in Mana village, located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, when a glacier collapsed, trapping 57 workers. So far, 16 workers have been rescued safely, while the rescue operation is still ongoing. However, extreme weather conditions and heavy snowfall are creating challenges for the rescue teams.
How Did the Incident Happen?
Mana village, situated near Badrinath Dham, is an important site where several road and infrastructure projects are underway. Suddenly, a massive portion of the glacier broke off and came crashing down, burying the workers under the snow. As soon as the authorities were alerted, rescue teams rushed to the spot and launched an emergency rescue operation.
Challenges in the Rescue Operation
Multiple agencies, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), have been deployed for the rescue mission. However, several obstacles are slowing down the operation:
- Harsh Weather Conditions – Extremely low temperatures and continuous snowfall are making it difficult to carry out rescue operations efficiently.
- Difficult Terrain – The mountainous region is challenging to access, delaying the arrival of rescue teams and heavy equipment.
- Low Oxygen Levels – At high altitudes, oxygen levels drop, making survival difficult for the trapped workers.
How Many Workers Have Been Rescued So Far?
According to officials, 16 workers have been safely rescued, and they are receiving medical attention. Meanwhile, efforts are being intensified to locate and rescue the remaining trapped workers. Authorities have assured that every possible step is being taken to ensure their safety.
Government’s Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called an emergency meeting and directed officials to accelerate rescue efforts. He stated:
“Our top priority is to ensure the safety of the trapped workers. No effort will be spared in the rescue operation.”
Families of the Workers in Distress
The families of the trapped workers are deeply worried about their loved ones. The government has assured all possible assistance to the affected families and has deployed additional teams to speed up the operation.
Possible Causes of the Glacier Collapse
Experts believe that climate change is a significant factor behind such incidents. The rapid melting of glaciers due to rising temperatures is increasing the frequency of such disasters. Environmentalists also warn that unregulated construction and infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region are further exacerbating the risk of natural calamities.
What’s Next?
- Rescue operations will continue until all trapped workers are safely evacuated.
- The government may review disaster management strategies to prevent such incidents in the future.
- Glacier monitoring and environmental assessments need to be strengthened to detect early warning signs of potential collapses.
Conclusion
The glacier collapse in Uttarakhand is a stark reminder of the urgent need to balance development with environmental sustainability. As the rescue teams work tirelessly, the ABCRNews team will continue to provide the latest updates on the situation.
