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The Kedartal avalanche in Uttarakhand has claimed seven lives after rescue teams recovered another body on November 6. One person remains missing following the avalanche that struck a trekking group in Uttarkashi district on October 29. A joint team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is continuing the search.Kedartal avalanche
Rescue Teams Recover Another Body
Officials confirmed the recovery of another trekker’s body on Friday. The rescue teams had already recovered six bodies during earlier operations.
The latest recovery brings the total death toll to seven. One member of the expedition is still missing. The teams are searching locations where the missing person may be trapped under snow.
The recovered bodies are being brought to the base camp. Rescue personnel are also using the Matli helipad to transport them to Uttarkashi for further procedures.
Heavy Snow Makes Search Operation Difficult
The rescue operation is taking place in a challenging high-altitude region. Officials said around 10 to 12 feet of snow had accumulated in parts of the affected area.
The avalanche and snowfall blocked sections of the trekking route. Rescue workers have to move carefully across unstable snow and difficult terrain.
A joint SDRF-NIM team is using information received through satellite communication. This is helping the teams identify locations for further searches.
How the Kedartal Trekking Accident Happened
The trekking expedition had started from Gangotri on October 27. The group was expected to return on October 29.
However, heavy snowfall and avalanches affected the route. The group could not return as scheduled. Authorities received information about the emergency on October 30.
Four members of the support team were rescued earlier. They included three porters and a cook. The remaining members were caught in the affected area.
Search Continues for the Missing Trekker
Rescue agencies are continuing their efforts to locate the final missing person. The operation requires careful planning due to the weather and snow conditions.
The incident has again highlighted the risks of high-altitude trekking in the Himalayas. Sudden weather changes can make even permitted routes dangerous.
Trekking groups must follow official weather advisories. They should also maintain communication with local authorities and rescue agencies.