Uttarakhand glacier burst: 430 rescued, 10 dead in avalanche

In Uttarakhand, at least 10 people died and eight were still missing after an avalanche occurred near the Indo-China border in Chamoli district on Friday. The avalanche occurred after a part of a glacier collapsed beyond Sumna on Sumna-Rimkhim road where labourers were engaged in road construction work. Rescue operations were launched by the Indian Army immediately and 430 persons were rescued. Ten bodies have been recovered so far from the avalanche site. Seven persons have sustained critical injuries and are undergoing treatment. "Border Roads teams from Joshimath clearing the area from Bhapkund to Sumna. It is expected to take another 6-8 hours," an official said. The area has been witnessing heavy rains and snow for the past five days. Keeping road connectivity in the area is crucial as it gives access to forward locations like the contested Barahoti area on the border that has seen transgressions from the Chinese.

A BRO Camp came under an avalanche in the afternoon of 23 Apr during heavy snowfall in Sumna area of Joshimath Sector in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
While 55 BRO persons could be mustered at first count, blizzard conditions kept resue operation at bay till late evening.

— SuryaCommand_IA (@suryacommand) April 24, 2021