(Commonwealth_India) Dozens of construction workers were rescued alive after being trapped by a deadly avalanche in the Himalayan region of northern India. The workers had been stuck for nearly 36 hours, with heavy snowfall causing the avalanche near a construction site in the village of Mana, Uttarakhand state. This incident took place about 10,500 feet (3.2 km) above sea level, an area known for its challenging weather conditions.
According to authorities, the avalanche hit a site where migrant laborers were working on the construction of a highway in a remote part of the region. Out of the 54 workers who were trapped in the snow, 46 survived, though tragically, eight workers lost their lives. The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police quickly launched a rescue operation after the avalanche struck last Friday. The soldiers worked tirelessly, using sniffer dogs and specialized equipment, to locate survivors buried under the thick snow.
The workers were initially living in temporary accommodation, typically opting for tents. However, due to the severe weather conditions, they had decided to take refuge in eight metal containers instead. Lt. Col. Manish Srivastava, a defense spokesperson in Uttarakhand, pointed out that this decision likely saved many lives. The metal containers provided better protection against the avalanche, and their structure made it easier for rescuers to locate survivors amidst the snow. Without this shelter, the workers would have been at a greater risk of being buried completely under the snow, which would have made the rescue operation even more challenging.
Photos shared by the Indian Army showed rescue teams working around the damaged metal containers. The snow had partially crushed the containers, but rescuers were able to pull survivors out of them. The swift actions of the rescuers were a relief for many, as one unnamed survivor, speaking from his hospital bed, expressed his gratitude and shared how the support he received during the ordeal was crucial to his survival.
The region where this avalanche took place is known for its vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly during the winter months. Avalanches and landslides are common occurrences in the Himalayan Mountain range, but this tragedy highlights how the impact of climate change is exacerbating the risks. The human-induced climate crisis has led to unpredictable and severe weather patterns, contributing to more extreme conditions in the region. Recently, the glaciers in the Himalayas have been melting at an alarming rate. According to a 2023 report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, glaciers in the region have been melting 65% faster in the 2010s compared to the previous decade, a clear sign of how rising temperatures are affecting the area.
The erosion of glacial slopes is not only contributing to faster melting but is also increasing the likelihood of other natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and avalanches. Such melting is a significant concern for the millions of people living in mountain communities, as these extreme events pose a growing risk to their lives and livelihoods. The 2021 glacier collapse in Uttarakhand, which resulted in over 200 deaths, serves as another grim reminder of the dangers posed by the rapidly changing climate in the region.
The situation in Uttarakhand is a poignant example of how communities in the Himalayas are facing increasing threats from climate change and how the changing landscape is making traditional risks even more unpredictable. The tragedy of the avalanche, while devastating, also underscores the importance of swift rescue operations and the resilience of the people in the region. It is a reminder that, while natural disasters cannot be avoided, careful planning, timely intervention, and efforts to adapt to a changing climate can make all the difference in saving lives.
