NEW DELHI 

Four workers have died, and a search operation is ongoing to rescue five others after an avalanche struck the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in northern India, officials said Saturday.

Authorities launched a large-scale rescue effort in the Chamoli district after an avalanche buried over 50 workers from the Border Roads Organization on Friday.

Indian defense officials, who are also involved in the operation, confirmed that while 50 workers had been rescued, four succumbed to their injuries. A rescue operation is in progress to locate the five still trapped.

Defense spokesman Lt. Col. Manish Srivastava said helicopters are being used continuously to transport essential equipment, resources, and evacuate the injured.

Northern Indian states have been experiencing heavy rainfall and snowfall in recent days, triggering landslides in several areas.