Search continues for eight people stranded near Kedartal in Uttarakhand
Heavy snowfall and avalanche conditions have hampered efforts to locate seven trekkers and a guide in Uttarkashi district.
Eight people, including seven trekkers and a local guide, remain missing near Kedartal in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district after heavy snowfall and avalanche conditions disrupted their journey, according to reports from The Indian Express and The New Indian Express.
The group had departed from Gangotri on October 27. While four support staff members returned safely, an avalanche blocked the route beyond Bhoj Kharak, leaving the remaining eight members stranded at an altitude of approximately 4,000 metres.
Rescue teams have struggled to reach the area due to deep snow and hazardous terrain. A five-member SDRF team searched up to Bhoj Kharak on October 31 but did not find the group.
Aerial reconnaissance has been used to look for the missing people and their tents. A UCADA helicopter conducted surveys of the Kedartal region, but officials said no visual signs of the group have been found yet.
SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi stated that a specialist mountaineering team has been deployed. An additional SDRF team with rescue equipment is also being prepared to support the operation when weather conditions allow.
The District Magistrate and Disaster Management Officer are monitoring the ongoing search. Personnel from the Army, police, and Gangotri National Park are also involved in the efforts.