Personnel from the SDRF Uttarakhand Police and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) are continuing a search and rescue operation for trekkers who went missing on the Kedartal trek. The operation is taking place in rugged terrain and extremely challenging weather conditions.
An advance SDRF team, working under the direction of SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, is moving towards the incident site and searching the surrounding area. During the operation, rescuers recovered a tent and some belongings near Kedar Kharak, at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters. A bag was also found during the search.
However, the teams have not located the missing trekkers so far. The recovery of the items has helped identify material connected with the search area, but the SDRF has not reported finding the trekkers or provided any further verified update on their condition.
Weather and altitude challenge the operation
According to information relayed by the SDRF team at the site through satellite phone, continuous snowfall is affecting the area. Adverse weather, extreme altitude and difficult ground conditions are making it harder for rescuers to advance and search safely.
Because of these conditions, the team has established a safe camp at the site and will remain there for the night. The search will resume when the weather and other conditions become favourable.
The operation is being conducted jointly by the SDRF and NIM personnel. Their immediate task is to continue searching towards the incident site while managing the risks created by snowfall, high altitude and rugged terrain.
Next step in the search
The SDRF has said its teams are making every possible effort to locate the missing trekkers. The next verified development will depend on whether weather and ground conditions allow the rescuers to restart their search after the overnight halt.
Conclusion
The search for the missing Kedartal trekkers remains underway, with rescuers recovering a tent, belongings and a bag near Kedar Kharak but finding no trace of the trekkers so far. Continuous snowfall and extreme altitude have delayed further movement, and the operation will resume when conditions improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which teams are conducting the search?
The SDRF Uttarakhand Police and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering are conducting the joint search and rescue operation.
Q. Where were the recovered items found?
A tent and some belongings were found near Kedar Kharak. A bag was also recovered during the search.
Q. At what altitude were the tent and belongings recovered?
They were recovered at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters.
Q. Have the missing trekkers been located?
No. The SDRF has reported that no trace of the missing trekkers has been found so far.
Q. What is affecting the search operation?
Continuous snowfall, adverse weather, extreme altitude and rugged terrain are creating difficult conditions for the rescuers.
Q. Why has the team established a camp?
The team established a safe camp because the weather and conditions at the site remain challenging. The search will resume when conditions become favourable.
Q. How did the team report conditions at the site?
The SDRF team at the site provided information through a satellite phone.
