Four dead and several missing after India avalanche

In the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, a tragic avalanche has struck, leading to the loss of at least four lives and leaving several others missing. The avalanche occurred near the village of Mana, which is located close to the border with Tibet. This unfortunate event took place on a Friday, and it has prompted a significant rescue operation involving the Indian Army. Rescuers, dressed in green overalls, have been working tirelessly in the heavy snow to locate and assist those affected by the disaster. The avalanche primarily impacted road construction workers who were present at a camp in the area. nAuthorities have reported that around 50 individuals who were buried under the snow and debris have been rescued, but tragically, four people succumbed to their injuries. The Indian Army has deployed helicopters to aid in the search for five individuals who remain unaccounted for in the mountainous region. Uttarakhand's chief minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has stated that rescue teams are fully engaged in relief efforts following the avalanche. He emphasized the government's commitment to providing all possible assistance to those affected during this challenging time. nFootage released by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police on Friday depicted rescuers carrying individuals on stretchers and navigating through several feet of snow, even as more snow continued to fall. A local official confirmed that the rescue teams are continuously working to help those in need. Gaurav Kunwar, a former village council member from Mana, explained that the area where the avalanche occurred is a migratory zone, meaning that no one lives there permanently. He noted that only laborers working on border roads stay in the area during the winter months, along with some military personnel. Kunwar also mentioned that there had been heavy rainfall in the region for two days prior to the avalanche, which may have contributed to the disaster. The workers were in a camp when the avalanche struck. nThe India Meteorological Department issued warnings on Friday regarding heavy rainfall and snowfall in the northern Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as Jammu and Kashmir. Orange alerts were also issued for snowfall in several districts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, indicating that residents should be cautious and prepared for severe weather conditions. This avalanche serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of safety in such situations.