Two bodies recovered in Indian Himalayas as search continues for six missing trekkers

UTTARAKHAND: Rescue teams in India's Himalayan state of Uttarakhand have recovered the bodies of two trekkers from a high-altitude route while efforts to locate six others remain underway amid severe weather and difficult mountain conditions.

UTTARAKHAND: Rescue teams in India’s Himalayan state of Uttarakhand have recovered the bodies of two trekkers from a high-altitude route while efforts to locate six others remain underway amid severe weather and difficult mountain conditions.

The bodies identified as those of a man and a woman were found on Tuesday near Kedar Kharak at an elevation of around 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) according to local media reports. Uttarkashi District Disaster Management Officer Shardul Gusain confirmed the recovery adding that the deceased had not yet been identified.

A joint rescue team comprising personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering discovered the bodies during a search along the Kedartal trekking route.

However, worsening weather forced rescuers to suspend the operation at approximately 3pm on Tuesday. The team returned to its base camp as heavy snowfall limited visibility and challenging terrain made further movement difficult.

Authorities had planned to restart the search on Wednesday with additional rescue personnel essential supplies and life-support equipment being sent to the area. Arrangements were also being made to establish an alternative helipad closer to the location allowing helicopters to support the operation and transport the recovered bodies to Harsil.

The trekking group began its journey on October 27 and was expected to return two days later on October 29. When the members failed to come back as scheduled authorities launched a search operation.

Rescue workers have since faced considerable difficulties because of the high altitude persistent snowfall and poor visibility which have restricted access to parts of the route.

The recovery of the two bodies has confirmed that the missing group has suffered fatalities but officials have yet to establish the identities of the deceased or determine what happened to the remaining six trekkers.

The search is expected to continue when weather and ground conditions allow rescue teams to safely reach the affected area.