Eight missing in Indian Himalayas as snowfall hampers rescue efforts

Eight people, including trekkers, were missing in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand on Tuesday as heavy snowfall and poor visibility hampered rescue operations in the Himalayas, Anadolu Agency reported.

Rescue teams found a tent buried under snow, along with clothing, slippers and food supplies, near Kedartal in Uttarkashi district, according to the Hindi daily “Dainik Jagran”. A search within a 2- to 3-kilometer radius of the site failed to find the missing people.

The operation was suspended after continuing snowfall reduced visibility to near zero. A 10-member rescue team was airlifted to the area on Monday, the Press Trust of India reported.

The missing group comprises five trekkers from West Bengal, two women from Uttar Pradesh and a local guide. They were part of a trekking party that left Gangotri on Oct. 27 and was scheduled to return on Oct. 29.

Four members of the party, including three porters and a cook, were rescued on Saturday after avalanches blocked the route. Authorities said multiple avalanches had hit the trekking route, complicating ground searches and helicopter operations.

Authorities have also closed high-altitude trekking routes above 4,000 meters following heavy snowfall, “Dainik Jagran” reported. Rescue operations are expected to resume when weather conditions improve.