Eight missing after avalanche on Himalayan trek in India

Searches are continuing for seven climbers and one guide missing after an avalanche in the Himalayan mountains in India’s Uttarakhand state.

“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports, citing Press Trust of India (PTI), that the trekking group set out on a three-day hike in the Kedartal area on October 27. A powerful avalanche struck the area on October 29 amid adverse weather, and contact with the group has been lost since then.

A 10-member specialist search and rescue team has been sent to the area to look for those missing in the Himalayan region.

During searches near Kedartal in Uttarkashi district, rescuers found a tent buried under snow, clothing, shoes and food supplies. However, despite intensive searches within a radius of 2-3 kilometers, they have found no trace of the climbers. Heavy snowfall, poor visibility and the risk of further avalanches are seriously hampering the rescue operation.

Officials said three porters and a cook accompanying the trekking group were rescued and evacuated to a safe area three days ago. All trekking routes above 4,000 meters have been temporarily closed because of adverse weather conditions.