DEHRADUN, India, March 1, (V7N) – Rescue operations are underway in northern India to save 22 workers trapped after an avalanche struck a remote border area near Tibet, officials confirmed Saturday.

The avalanche hit a construction camp in Chamoli district on Friday, burying 55 workers under snow and debris. While many were rescued, 22 remain trapped as search efforts intensify.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured that rescue operations have accelerated with improved weather conditions.

"Every effort is being made to safely evacuate all the workers trapped in the snow as soon as possible," Dhami posted on X.

Military doctors at the site performed life-saving surgeries on critically injured survivors, authorities said.

Nearby Mana village, located near the Tibet border, was evacuated, with residents moving to lower altitudes to escape extreme weather, The Indian Express reported.

Avalanches and landslides are common in the upper Himalayas, especially during winter months. Scientists warn that climate change and increased construction in fragile mountain regions are worsening disaster risks.

  • 2021: Nearly 100 people died in Uttarakhand after a glacier collapse triggered flash floods.
  • 2013: Monsoon floods and landslides killed 6,000 people, sparking concerns over rapid development in the region.

Authorities continue to work against the clock, deploying heavy machinery and specialized teams in the rescue efforts.