India: Avalanche Traps 57 Workers in Chamoli

Published FEB 28

story

Above: Rescuers carry BRO workers after an avalanche near Mana village in Chamoli district on Feb. 28, 2025. Image credit: State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Climate change has significantly increased avalanche frequency in the Himalayas. Warmer temperatures destabilize snowpack structures and alter precipitation patterns, making the region more vulnerable to such disasters than ever.

Dialogue Earth

Narrative B

The incident highlights the critical importance of infrastructure development in border areas, where, despite challenging conditions, construction work must continue to maintain strategic readiness and support local communities.

Sciencedirect

Narrative C

The government converted a natural phenomenon into a tragic incident by ignoring the meteorological department's advisory on the possibility of avalanches, failing to take precautionary measures, and continuing construction activities in rough terrain.

The Times of India