Avalanche Hits BRO Camp in Uttarakhand: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Speaks To Uttarakhand CM

In a tragic incident on the morning of February 28, 2025, an avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) labour camp in the Mana area of Joshimath, Uttarakhand, burying 57 workers under snow and debris. The camp, located between Mana and Badrinath, was hit at around 7:15 am, trapping the workers inside eight containers and one shed.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the disaster, stating, "An unfortunate avalanche has occurred in the Mana area of Joshimath today, impacting the GREF camp of BRO." He added that he had spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami about the situation and assured that the administration was providing all possible assistance to the affected. Rescue efforts by local Army units are also underway, with all available resources being utilised to save the trapped personnel.

The Indian Army's swift response teams, comprising over 100 personnel from the Ibex Brigade, were immediately mobilised. Equipped with doctors, ambulances, and plant equipment, the teams worked tirelessly in challenging conditions. By 11:50 am, they had located five containers and successfully rescued 10 individuals, all of whom were alive. However, four of the rescued workers are reported to be in critical condition and have been rushed for medical treatment.

Search operations are ongoing for the remaining three containers, with rescue teams determined to locate and save the trapped individuals. Heavy snowfall in the region has hampered efforts, but the BRO is working to clear the road between Joshimath and Mana to ensure smooth movement of rescue teams and medical resources. Additional medical support from Joshimath is being mobilised to assist in the operation.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held an emergency meeting with top officials at the State Disaster Control Room to review the progress of the rescue operation. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Directors General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to coordinate efforts and ensure all necessary resources are deployed.