There is a rescue operation in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district after trekkers are still stranded on the high-altitude Kalindi Trek in the tough weather conditions. 11 people have been rescued and brought to the Harsil helipad and some are still stranded on the Kalindi Khal track and are being evacuated, Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district officials said.
The operation has also been complicated by rain and snowfall in the high-altitude region, forcing rescue teams to temporarily suspend further evacuation efforts until weather conditions improve.
Eight Trekkers Are Still Awaiting Rescue.
According to the latest information, eight trekkers remain on the Kalindi Khal track, along with two SDRF personnel stationed with them.
The rescue teams are keeping track of the stranded group at these high altitudes and waiting for a weather window to continue the operation. Helicopter evacuation at such high altitudes depends on visibility, wind conditions, and snowfall.
Officials are expected to resume the rescue operation once the weather becomes favorable.
High Altitude Conditions Are Difficult.
The Kalindi Khal is one of the difficult high-altitude trekking routes in Uttarakhand. The Kalindi Pass is situated at around 5,400 metres, which makes rescue operations in bad weather very challenging.
Heavy snowfall in the Gangotri region has affected several trekking and mountaineering groups in Uttarkashi. The SDRF, police, Army, district administration, and other agencies have been monitoring numerous high-altitude locations and coordinating rescue efforts.
The Indian Express reported that the administration had started helicopter evacuation operations after weather conditions briefly improved on September 28.
Helicopters Used for Rescue
Helicopters have played a crucial role in the evacuation effort because of the difficult terrain which makes conventional ground rescue very difficult.
Earlier in the operation, rescue teams also evacuated trekkers from the nearby Auden's Col area and brought them to Harsil for medical checks. There is also a rescue effort going on for people stranded around Kalindi Khal.
The rescue operation is closely monitored by district authorities and teams are prepared to restart aerial evacuation if necessary.
Rain and Snow Delay Further Evacuation.
The worsening weather has become the biggest challenge for the rescue teams. Rain at low elevations and snowfall at higher altitudes have reduced the window for helicopter operations.
The India Meteorological Department’s September 28 forecast warned of rain or thundershowers in parts of Uttarakhand’s hills and snowfall at locations above 3,800 metres.
As such, officials are putting the safety of both the stranded trekkers and rescue personnel first.
