
In a devastating turn of events, nine Indian trekkers lost their lives in the treacherous terrain of the Himalayas after being trapped in a fierce blizzard. The incident unfolded in Uttarakhand state, north India, where heavy snowfall engulfed the group of climbers from Karnataka, leaving them stranded and battling for survival.
Authorities confirmed the tragic news on Thursday, as rescue operations swung into action to airlift the bodies of the deceased and five survivors to safety. The Indian Air Force released footage showcasing the daunting task faced by rescue teams amidst the snow-covered mountains.
Krishna Byre Gowda, a prominent Karnataka minister, provided insights into the grim situation. He revealed that the trekkers were confronted with escalating snowfall, leading to a full-blown blizzard that made movement impossible. “Snow intensified into a blizzard. By 6 PM, 2 trekkers succumbed to bad weather. Snow and wind made movement impossible. Visibility dropped to nil. They huddled together for the night on the route. Some more succumbed in the night,” Gowda detailed in a social media update.
The dire circumstances unfolded as a guide from the group managed to establish contact with rescuers on Tuesday evening, having traversed considerable distance to access mobile network connectivity. Rescue teams promptly mobilized and reached the site early on Wednesday, but the harsh conditions had already taken a heavy toll.
The loss of these adventurous souls serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and perilous nature of mountainous regions, urging caution and preparedness for all who venture into these majestic yet unforgiving landscapes.
Sources By Agencies