IAF choppers rescue eight trekkers
New Delhi, Sept. 29 (PTI): Eight Russian and Indian trekkers, trapped for two days in icy Gangotri glacier in Gharwal Himalayas due to blizzards and heavy snowing, were rescued by Indian Air Force helicopters today.
Two Cheetah helicopters of the Bareilly-based 111 unit, flying four sorties to snow-bound Gangotri glacier, rescued the trekkers.
"All the trekkers including woman climber Svetlana Kazikova, who was reported in serious condition, have been brought down to safety," Wing Commander N S Sandhu, the leader of the IAF rescue team, told PTI.
The trekkers were first flown to Joshimath for first aid and then to Bareilly, he said.
Four Russians and four Indians had left for the trek from Abi Gamin, Mana, to Badrinath on September 17. Nine days later, they were caught in blizzards and heavy snowing on the Gangotri glacier.
A number of mountaineering expeditions and adventure groups were trapped in various parts of Uttaranchal in the past one week due to inclement weather.
Five army climbers, part of an expedition attempting 24,500-ft Nanda Devi East Summit in Garhwal, are missing since Wednesday.
