Chamoli (Uttarakhand) [India], February 28 (HBTV): As many as 47 workers engaged in road construction were trapped under massive snow blocks after an avalanche hit Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Friday.

The construction workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp were working in the border area of Mana village in Badrinath, officials said on Friday.

Personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Army are engaged in the rescue operation, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said.

The BRO, a road construction executive force, provides support to and is a part of the Indian Armed Forces.

Police Headquarters spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne stated that out of the 57 workers initially trapped, 10 have been rescued.

'A massive avalanche has occurred near the Border Roads Organisation camp in the border area of Mana, trapping 57 workers engaged in road construction. Of these, 10 have been rescued and sent to the army camp near Mana in critical condition,' IG Nilesh Anand Bharne told ANI.

Meanwhile, BRO Executive Engineer C.R. Meena said that the rescue operation is ongoing but heavy snowfall is causing difficulties.

'Three to four ambulances have also been sent, but due to heavy snowfall, the rescue team is facing difficulties in reaching the site,' Meena said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the ITBP and BRO.

'Sad news was received about many workers being trapped under an avalanche during construction work by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. Relief and rescue operations are underway by ITBP, BRO, and other teams. I pray for the safety of all the labour brothers,' CM Dhami posted on X.

Earlier on Thursday, the Lahaul and Spiti Police issued an avalanche alert for the region on February 28.

According to a press release, the advisory warned travellers and locals to exercise caution and restrict movement to designated safe routes, as medium-sized avalanches could be triggered on certain extreme slopes.

'According to the DGRE and HPSDMA, a snow avalanche warning (Danger Level 3, Orange) has been issued for District Lahaul and Spiti until February 28, 2025 (1700 hrs IST). As per the advisory, medium-sized avalanches may be triggered on some extreme slopes, and movement should be restricted to only safe routes,' the release stated.

(ANI)