Tragedy on the Trails: The Sahastratal Trekking Disaster in Uttarakhand

Disaster Management Disaster Management in India

Posted by pallavi on 2024-07-08 14:47:39 |

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The recent trekking expedition to Sahastratal in Uttarakhand turned into a tragic ordeal for a group of 22 trekkers from Karnataka, resulting in the loss of nine lives and leaving the survivors in a state of shock. This incident has drawn significant attention due to the severe weather conditions and the challenges faced during the rescue operations.

Details of the Expedition and the Incident:

On May 29, a group of 22 trekkers, mostly from Karnataka, embarked on a trekking expedition to Sahastratal under the guidance of the Himalayan View Trekking Agency based in Maneri, Uttarkashi. The team included three experienced guides and was supported by eight mules. The trekkers were members of the Karnataka Mountaineering Association (KMA), although the trek was not organized by the KMA itself but by a local agency in Uttarakhand.

The group faced unexpected and severe weather conditions on June 2, when a blizzard struck them during their descent from the Sahastratal peak. The storm, with estimated wind speeds of around 90 kilometers per hour, reduced visibility to near zero, making it impossible for the trekkers to navigate. The trekkers, who were at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet, were forced to take shelter and survive on limited supplies, including dry fruits.

Survival and Rescue Efforts:

Despite their experience and preparedness, the trekkers were overwhelmed by the harsh conditions. The survivors recounted the night of June 3 as a harrowing experience where they huddled together for warmth and relied on each other for support. The cold was so intense that even with multiple layers of clothing, including thermals and jackets, they struggled to stay warm. Mobile phones were used as torches to maintain communication in the pitch-dark surroundings.

On June 5, the rescue operations commenced with the deployment of two helicopters by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and additional support from a private helicopter. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) also dispatched teams from Dehradun and Uttarkashi to assist in the rescue efforts. By June 6, nine bodies were recovered, and the survivors were airlifted to Dehradun.

Casualties and Survivors:

Among the deceased was 71-year-old Asha Sudhakar, one of Karnataka’s oldest female mountaineers, who had been a member of KMA for over three decades. Other victims included Sindhu Wakelam (44), Sujata Mungurwadi (52) and her husband Vinayak Mungurwadi (52), Chitra Praneeth (48), Venkatesh Prasad (53), Padmanabha (50), Anitha Rangappa (55), and Padmini (34). All were residents of Bengaluru and were experienced trekkers.

The survivors, who arrived back in Bengaluru on June 7, were physically unharmed but deeply traumatized by the ordeal. They recounted the events and emphasized the unexpected severity of the blizzard, which lasted for more than four hours and resulted in hypothermia for many. The core body temperatures of the deceased had dipped to lethal levels, causing quick deaths.

Government Response and Inquiry:

In response to the tragedy, the Uttarakhand government ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident to determine the causes and ensure such events do not recur. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi issued orders for the inquiry. The Karnataka government, led by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, closely monitored the rescue efforts and coordinated with Uttarakhand authorities to ensure the survivors' safe return and the transportation of the deceased back to Bengaluru.

The tragedy highlights the inherent risks associated with high-altitude trekking, even for experienced mountaineers. It underscores the importance of preparedness and the need for robust support systems to handle emergencies in remote and challenging terrains. The loss of nine lives is a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the resilience required to endure its harshest conditions.

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