The death toll in the Uttarakhand trekking tragedy has risen, with nine trekkers from Bengaluru confirmed dead due to adverse weather conditions. Thirteen others were rescued after being trapped on a mountain during a high-altitude trek.
A team of 22 trekkers, organized by the Himalayan View Trekking Agency, embarked on a 35-km trek from Uttarkashi on May 27. Among the trekkers, 18 were from Karnataka and one from Maharashtra, accompanied by three local guides. The group encountered severe weather on their return to the base camp, leading to the tragic incident.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been in constant touch with the rescue operations team. He directed Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to monitor the situation closely. Gowda travelled to Dehradun to coordinate efforts with local officials.
Emergency rescue operations commenced on Tuesday evening with locally available helicopters. Additionally, an Indian Air Force helicopter arrived in Uttarkashi at 9 am on Wednesday to assist in the rescue mission. A disaster management team was also deployed to the camp.
In a statement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences, saying, “It is very painful to know that the death toll has risen to nine. I pray for the departed souls to rest in peace. All those rescued should be safely brought home without any disturbance. Instructions have been given to Minister Krishna Byre Gowda that all the necessary procedures should be carried out immediately to hand over the bodies to the families.”
