Search continues for eight missing trekkers in Uttarakhand's Kedartal
Rescue teams use helicopters for aerial reconnaissance as heavy snowfall and avalanches hamper efforts in Uttarkashi district.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted search operations on Sunday for seven trekkers and one guide missing near Kedartal in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, according to The New Indian Express. The group, which includes trekkers from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, went missing after weather conditions worsened.
The group of 13 people, comprising seven trekkers and six support staff, began their trek from Gangotri on October 27. They were expected to return by October 29, but heavy snowfall and an avalanche prevented their return.
SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said a specialist mountaineering team was deployed for the search. Because ground teams faced difficulties due to deep snow and hazardous terrain, officials used helicopters for aerial reconnaissance.
Head Constable Ravi Chauhan and Constable Deepak Pant travelled to Harsil by helicopter to perform two detailed surveys of the Kedartal region. These flights did not reveal any visual signs of the missing individuals or their tents.
Mayank Garg, deputy director of the Gangotri National Park, said an avalanche had obstructed the path beyond Bhoj Kharak. While some support staff were located safely, eight people remained cut off.
An additional SDRF team with mountaineering equipment has been dispatched to support the operation once weather conditions allow. Officials noted that one of the stranded trekkers has sustained a head injury.