At least 10 mountaineers killed, 8 climbers rescued so far after Uttarkashi Avalanche

A group of 28 trainees at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) undergoing advance-level mountaineering training were struck by a massive avalanche while trekking in Dokrani Bamak glacier in Uttarkashi on Tuesday.

According to sources 10 people were feared killed, while eight others have been rescued so far. Officials said that search and rescue operations have been launched to evacuate others who are still stranded in the crevasses..

Rapid, relief and rescue operations are underway by the district administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel, according to a Hindustan Times report.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to the landslide”. He also talked to Dhami and took stock of the situation.

“Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to the landslide which has struck the mountaineering expedition carried out by the Nehru Mountaineering Institute in Uttarkashi. My condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones,” Singh tweeted.

“Spoke to CM Uttarakhand, Shri @PushkarDhami and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to help the mountaineers who are still trapped. I have instructed the IAF to mount the rescue and relief ops. Praying for everyone’s safety and well-being,” Singh said in another tweet.

Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar told news agency ANI that IAF helicopters were deployed for the search and rescue operation. “There was a group from the mountaineering institute who were on a mission to reach Draupadi’s Danda-2 mountain peak, located at 18,000 feet. An avalanche came around 8am and 29 were trapped. Eight were immediately rescued by members of the team. No clarity on deaths yet,” ANI quoted ITBP PRO Vivek Pandey as saying.

 “ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and local police started the rescue operation as soon as information was received. All injured and stranded will be taken to a helipad at almost 13,000 feet first from where they will be brought down to Matli helipad. Will be using ITBP hospital,” Pandey said.

-INDIA NEWS STREAM