At least four people have died, and five remain missing after a devastating avalanche struck a remote border region in India, officials reported on Saturday.
Rescue teams have deployed helicopters to aid in the search efforts.
The avalanche hit a construction site near Mana village, close to the Tibet border in Uttarakhand, on Friday. A total of 55 workers were buried under snow and debris.
The Indian Army confirmed that 50 individuals were initially rescued, but four later succumbed to their injuries.
Authorities have launched a large-scale operation, deploying six helicopters to assist due to road blockages. Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, assured that rescue efforts are ongoing.
Residents of Mana village have reportedly relocated to lower altitudes to escape the harsh weather conditions.
Avalanches and landslides are common in the Himalayan region, particularly during winter.
Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, while rapid development in the fragile mountain areas has raised concerns over deforestation and construction risks.
Uttarakhand has faced several deadly disasters in recent years. In 2021, nearly 100 people were killed when a massive chunk of ice broke off into a river, triggering sudden floods.
A 2013 monsoon disaster claimed 6,000 lives, prompting calls for a reassessment of development projects in the state.
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