At around 0715 hours on 28 February 2025, a BRO Labour Camp, located between Mana and Badrinath, was struck by an avalanche, burying 57 workers inside eight containers and one shed.
The Indian Army’s swift response teams, comprising more than 100 personnel’s personnel from Ibex Bigade, were immediately mobilised comprising doctors ambulances and plant equipment. By 1150 hours, the teams had located five containers and successfully rescued 10 individuals, all alive. Of the 10 rescued, four personnel are reported to be in critical condition.
Search operations are ongoing for the remaining three containers, with the aim of rescuing the trapped individuals.
Due to subsequent small-scale avalanches in the area, progress in rescue operations is slow and being carried out with due caution.
Heavy snowfall continues in the region, and GREF is working on clearing the road between Joshimath and Mana. Additional medical resources from Joshimath are being mobilised to Mana to assist with the rescue and medical aid.
