Uttarakhand Trekking Tragedy Survivors “Sat With Bodies For 36 Hours” – NDTV

Uttarakhand Trekking Tragedy Survivors “Sat With Bodies For 36 Hours” – NDTV

Keywords: Uttarakhand, trekking tragedy, survivors, dead bodies, rescue operation

In the wake of the devastating Uttarakhand trekking tragedy, survivors have recounted the harrowing experience of being forced to sit alongside the bodies of their deceased companions for over 36 hours.

According to survivors, the group of 24 trekkers was caught in a sudden hailstorm on August 4 while on an expedition to the Lamkhaga Pass in the Nanda Devi National Park. The storm rapidly escalated into a blizzard, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

As the group tried to make their way back to safety, several trekkers lost their footing and fell down a steep slope. Witnesses reported seeing their bodies being carried away by the strong currents of the Rishi Ganga River below.

Survivors described a desperate struggle for survival as they clung to the icy rocks for hours. Exposed to the elements, many suffered from hypothermia and altitude sickness.

“We were sitting there with the bodies for 36 hours,” said one survivor, identified as Ritesh. “We had no food, no water, and no way to contact anyone for help.”

Eventually, rescuers were able to reach the survivors by helicopter and evacuate them from the mountain. However, the operation was hampered by the difficult terrain and treacherous weather conditions.

In total, 19 trekkers died in the tragedy, including two rescue team members. The bodies of the deceased were recovered and brought back to their families for funeral rituals.

The survivors of the Uttarakhand trekking tragedy are now recovering from their physical and emotional trauma. They have expressed gratitude to the rescuers who risked their own lives to save them and have called for an investigation into the incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.