A rescue operation is underway to safely evacuate 179 trekkers, mountaineers and support staff stranded in the high Himalayan areas of Uttarakhand.
The trekkers from 13 trekking groups are stranded at different locations in Uttarkashi and Bageshwar districts.
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has directed officials to begin the rescue operation by helicopters as soon as weather conditions improve.
In the high Himalayan areas of Uttarkashi, 136 trekkers, mountaineers and support staff are present. They include 89 members of a high-altitude expedition, 18 members at the Kalindi Pass Base Camp and 29 members at the Auden’s Col Pass Base Camp.
In Bageshwar district, 43 trekkers from three groups are stranded at different locations. Rescue plans have been prepared in the respective districts for the safe evacuation of all 179 trekkers.
In Uttarkashi, joint teams of the district administration, Forest Department, SDRF, Police and Disaster Management are engaged in the rescue operation.
Reviewing the rescue operation, the Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure sufficient helicopters through UCADA and arrange additional helicopters as required.
He also instructed officials to maintain continuous contact with all trekkers and ensure their medical examination after the rescue.
He further directed that every helicopter involved in the rescue operation should be equipped with a satellite phone.
Meanwhile, while reviewing the weather-related situation at the State Emergency Operations Centre, the Chief Secretary directed all departments to remain alert round the clock.
According to the Meteorological Department, heavy rainfall is possible at isolated places in Uttarkashi and Dehradun today.
Thunderstorms, lightning and strong to very heavy rainfall are likely in the districts of the Garhwal region. Snowfall is also likely in areas located at an altitude of 3,600 metres and above.