Five climbers reported missing on Nanda Devi massif
New Delhi, Sept. 29 (PTI): Heavy early snowfall and blizzards lashing Uttarakhand Himalayas for the past week have trapped a number of mountaineering expeditions and adventure groups in various parts of the state.
Five army climbers part of an expedition attempting the tough 24,500 feet Nanda Devi east summit in Garhwal Himalayas are reported missing since Wednesday.
Another group of eight Russian and Indian climbers on a trek from Abi Gamman, Mana to Badrinath are trapped on the Gangotri glacier and have sent an SOS for rescue by helicopter.
According to an army spokesman, army climbers including an officer, a junior commissioned officer and three other ranks are reported missing on the Nanda Devi massif. The climbers were hit by blizzards and heavy snowfall and decided to abandon their second high altitude camp.
The spokesman said that the climbers who were making their way back to Camp one had made last radio contact with other team members on September 26, but had failed to reach the camp.
Inclement weather and continued snowfall is hampering rescue attempts by IAF and Army Aviation helicopters.
National
