Bad weather slows Uttarkashi rescue: Teams resume helicopter evacuation of stranded trekkers

The rescue operation to evacuate trekkers stranded in Uttarkashi's high-altitude Himalayan region resumed on Tuesday, with teams managing to bring four more people safely out of the Kalindi Khal area and transport them to the Harsil helipad.

The latest evacuation takes the total number of people rescued from Kalindi Khal to 15.

The operation is being conducted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in coordination with other agencies, with weather and difficult terrain continuing to pose major challenges to the aerial rescue effort.

Under the direction of SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, rescue teams are working according to a coordinated plan to reach those still stranded in the high-altitude region.

At Harsil, Additional District Magistrate Mukta Mishra held discussions with the rescue teams and the helicopter pilot to assess the situation and coordinate the next phase of the operation.

The teams subsequently proceeded according to the planned evacuation strategy, with priority being given to the safe extraction of people from locations that remain difficult to access on foot.

Four more evacuated as rescue operation resumes

The latest development comes a day after 40 people were evacuated from high-altitude locations in Uttarkashi.

On Monday, 29 trekkers stranded in the Auden's Col area were airlifted to Harsil, while another 11 people were evacuated from the Kalindi Pass area.

The 29 trekkers brought down from Auden's Col were taken to an Army facility in Harsil for preliminary medical examinations.

The Monday operation was carried out after weather conditions improved sufficiently for helicopters to operate in the high-altitude region.

Officials had reported that heavy snowfall had left trekkers, mountaineers and support personnel unable to descend from several locations.

According to the district administration, around 136 people were involved in expeditions and trekking activities across high-altitude areas of Uttarkashi, including Kalindi Khal and Auden's Col.

Reports have differed slightly on the number still awaiting evacuation because of changing figures and different reporting cut-offs.

One report published on Tuesday said 137 people had been reported stranded, with 40 evacuated on Monday and 97 remaining to be evacuated.

At Kalindi Khal, the situation has required particular attention because of the altitude, snowfall and challenging terrain.

The Kalindi Trek reaches an altitude of around 5,400 metres, making both ground movement and helicopter operations difficult when weather conditions deteriorate.

The rescue effort involves multiple agencies, including the SDRF, ITBP, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Forest Department, police and district administration. Helicopters are being used wherever weather conditions allow safe flying.

The administration has also been making arrangements at Harsil to receive the rescued trekkers, including medical assistance and other essential support.

Earlier, officials directed that ambulances, medical teams, warm clothing, food and drinking water be kept ready at the helipad.

SDRF teams sent to assess Mount Jogin route

Alongside the helicopter evacuation, authorities are also expanding reconnaissance efforts in other affected areas.

Two SDRF personnel have been sent towards the Mount Jogin region to assess the terrain, understand the geographical conditions and identify routes that could be used safely for further rescue operations.

The reconnaissance is important because several trekking and mountaineering groups are spread across different high-altitude locations.

Authorities have been maintaining contact with teams involved in expeditions on other peaks and have said those groups are safe, while arrangements are being made for their evacuation according to the prevailing conditions.

The rescue operation has repeatedly been affected by rapidly changing weather.

On Monday, deteriorating conditions forced helicopter operations to be halted later in the day after the evacuation of 40 people. Officials said the remaining trekkers would be brought out as weather and operational conditions permitted.

The difficult conditions followed heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Uttarkashi.

Officials said trekkers at Auden's Col were unable to descend or continue their expeditions after several feet of snow accumulated in the region.

The administration subsequently launched a coordinated aerial rescue effort as soon as weather conditions provided a window for helicopter operations.

The state government is continuing to monitor the situation. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has reviewed the rescue operation and directed officials to ensure the safe return of those stranded, while teams on the ground continue coordinating evacuation efforts.

For now, the immediate focus remains on reaching the trekkers who are still in the high-altitude areas, maintaining contact with expedition teams and using helicopters wherever conditions permit.

With four more people brought safely to Harsil on Tuesday, the Kalindi Khal evacuation has progressed, but the larger rescue operation in Uttarkashi remains underway.