Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India - A massive avalanche triggered by heavy snowfall has buried dozens of workers in the Himalayan region on the border between India and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. The avalanche occurred in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state in northern India, burying 57 people. Ten people have been rescued and transferred to a nearby military base, but all are reported to be in critical condition.
Rescue efforts are ongoing for the remaining 47 people, but are being hampered by heavy snowfall, which is preventing additional personnel and equipment from reaching the site. The Indian military has deployed about 150 personnel, including members of the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force, to the site for rescue operations.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rain or snow of up to 200mm in several highland areas, including Uttarakhand, which could lead to flooding or road closures.
The avalanche occurred on a section of highway where workers were carrying out road construction. It is believed that the workers were trapped under several feet of snow and debris.
Rescue workers are facing challenging conditions, including heavy snowfall and low temperatures. The rescue operation is expected to continue for several days.
The avalanche is the latest in a series of natural disasters to hit the Himalayan region in recent years. Scientists believe that climate change is making the region more vulnerable to extreme weather events.
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