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Himalayan tragedy: On avalanches in the Himalayan States
Natural disasters are unpredictable, but their impact can be controlled. While avalanches cannot be precisely predicted, preventive measures can reduce casualties.
Rescue efforts: Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) teams rescued 23 workers trapped under snow and ice after an avalanche at Mana village, Uttarakhand.
Casualties: The disaster, which occurred at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) construction site, resulted in the deaths of eight workers. A total of 54 labourers were housed in eight containers at the site.
Challenging operation: The rescue teams worked continuously for 60 hours amidst heavy snowfall at an altitude of 10,500 feet above sea level, making the operation extremely difficult.
Blocked roads and evacuation: Due to road blockages caused by snow, helicopters were used for evacuation. The operation involved five helicopters from the Indian Army, two from the Indian Air Force, and one civilian helicopter.
Use of technology: A drone-based detection system was deployed to locate the buried containers under several feet of snow, ice, and rock.
Historical migration pattern: Mana village, one of the last outposts near the India-China border, traditionally sees winter migration. Residents move to lower-altitude villages such as Gopeshwar and Jyotirmath when the Badrinath temple closes in November and return in April or May.
Concerns about risk awareness: While traditional migration may have saved local villagers, questions arise about whether migrant workers at the site were adequately informed about avalanche risks.
Strategic location and ongoing development: Given Mana’s strategic significance, infrastructure projects are necessary, but they also increase the presence of workers in inherently hazardous areas.
Need for preventive measures: Avalanches cannot be prevented, but designing safer shelters—similar to bomb shelters or Antarctic research stations—can improve survival odds. Greater sensitivity is needed towards workers operating in high-risk conditions, rather than treating such disasters as unavoidable.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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