Five West Bengal trekkers missing in Uttarakhand avalanches
Rescue teams have recovered two bodies as search operations continue for eight people lost in the Kedartal region.
Eight members of a trekking party are missing in Uttarakhand's Kedartal region after heavy snowfall and avalanches hit the area, according to The Indian Express. A joint team from the State Disaster Response Force and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering recovered the bodies of a man and a woman on Tuesday, though their identities have not been confirmed.
The missing group includes five trekkers from West Bengal, two women from Uttar Pradesh, and a 25-year-old guide from Uttarkashi. Four others, consisting of a cook and three porters, were rescued near Kachchi Dhang on October 31.
The five trekkers from West Bengal are Rintu Mondol, 40, Uday Ghosh, 30, Ratan Ghosh, 23, Tapas Bauri, 30, and Monoj Khawas, 39. The group had departed from Gangotri on October 27 and was expected to return by October 29.
Rintu Mondol's brother, Sintu Mondol, said the last time he spoke to Rintu was on October 26. The families of the missing men stated they work in various sectors, including sponge iron and rubber factories, earning approximately Rs 20,000 per month.
Rescue efforts have been difficult due to avalanches occurring at roughly 10 to 12 locations. An alternative helipad has been built at an altitude of 4,005 metres to assist helicopter-based search operations.
The search operation, which was paused on Tuesday afternoon, is scheduled to resume on Wednesday.
