Uttarakhand Trekking Tragedy Survivors “Sat With Bodies For 36 Hours”
Nine trekkers died after they lost their way due to bad weather and got trapped while on their way to Sahastra Tal (lake) in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi on June 4.
summary: In a tragic trekking incident in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, nine trekkers lost their lives due to severe weather conditions on June 4 while en route to Sahastra Tal. The survivors, who endured hypothermia and exhaustion, were forced to sit with the bodies of their companions for 36 hours until help arrived. Among the deceased was 71-year-old Asha Sudhakar, an experienced mountaineer. The group, consisting of 22 experienced trekkers, encountered strong winds and zero visibility, making it impossible to continue. The rescue was coordinated by the Karnataka and Uttarakhand state governments, with survivors eventually brought to a Dehradun hospital for treatment. The incident underscores the unpredictable dangers of high-altitude trekking.
Bengaluru: The recent trekking tragedy in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi has left a deep scar on the survivors and the mountaineering community. On June 4, nine trekkers lost their lives due to severe weather conditions while on their way to Sahastra Tal. The survivors, who endured extreme conditions and hypothermia, had to sit with the bodies of their companions for 36 hours until help arrived.
S Srivatsa, Secretary of the Karnataka Mountaineering Association (KMA), detailed the harrowing experience faced by the group. The trekkers, trapped by strong winds and zero visibility, took refuge next to a boulder. Exhaustion and hypothermia claimed four lives initially, followed by five more. They were unable to eat due to the fierce winds preventing them from opening their tiffin boxes. A guide and other mountaineers from a lower camp managed to provide additional tents and hot water, which helped the remaining trekkers survive.
Among the deceased was Asha Sudhakar, a seasoned 71-year-old mountaineer. Despite her extensive experience, the severe weather proved fatal. Her husband, S Sudhakar, the team leader, survived the ordeal. Srivatsa emphasized that the group was composed of experienced trekkers aged 34 to 71 and was well-prepared for the trek, with regular training and previous expeditions under their belts.
The group began their expedition on May 29, intending to return to Bengaluru by June 8. The tragedy struck when they were descending from a high point near Sahastra Tal on June 3. Due to bad weather, they sought shelter, but the intense cold led to hypothermia. The survivors were eventually rescued on June 5, thanks to coordinated efforts by the Chief Secretaries of Karnataka and Uttarakhand and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
The survivors, now recuperating, remain in shock and are struggling to process the loss of their friends. The bodies of the deceased have been returned to their families for final rites. This incident highlights the unpredictable dangers of high-altitude trekking and the importance of preparedness and swift emergency response.
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