Full Breakdown
Massive Snowfall Triggers High-Altitude Rescue in Uttarkashi
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Core Event: Helicopter Evacuations Amid Snowfall
Heavy snowfall in Uttarkashi’s upper Himalayas stranded trekkers and support staff on several high-altitude routes. Joint rescue teams from the district administration, Forest Department, State Disaster Response Force, police, Indian Army and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority launched helicopter sorties on September 28, 2026. The first lift evacuated 29 trekkers from Auden’s Col base camp to the Army medical facility in Harsil. Further aerial and ground operations moved groups from Kalindi Pass and other locations.
Background & Context
The rescue followed a rain spell that began Friday night, causing landslides, blocked roads and a rapid temperature drop. Over 80 roads across Uttarakhand were reported blocked, including the Badrinath highway at Sirobagad, and a yellow alert for heavy rain was issued for Dehradun and Uttarkashi. The weather also forced the suspension of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Data & Statistics
- Stranded persons in Uttarkashi: 136 (89 expedition members, 18 at Kalindi Pass base camp, 29 at Auden’s Col).
- Stranded persons statewide: 179, including six foreign nationals.
- Evacuated on September 28: 29 trekkers from Auden’s Col and 11 from Kalindi Pass, total 40 rescued.
- Remaining groups: 106 trekkers still on ten routes in Uttarkashi.
- Road disruptions: More than 80 roads blocked; closures in Nainital, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Almora, Champawat and others.
Official Statements & Responses
District Magistrate Prashant Arya monitored the operation from the control room, directing ambulances, medical staff and relief supplies at Harsil helipad.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the rescue from the State Emergency Operation Centre, ordering that all stranded trekkers receive medical assistance, food and warm clothing.
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan ordered helicopter sorties to commence at 6 a.m. on Monday, subject to weather, and instructed UCADA to keep helicopters on standby with satellite phones for communication.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shalini Negi confirmed the 29 trekkers rescued from Auden’s Col had undergone health checks and were in normal condition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All 29 trekkers have been brought safely to Harsil. Their health has been checked and everyone is in normal condition,” — Shalini Negi
- “Through coordination among all the agencies, we succeeded in safely evacuating the 29 trekkers stranded in the Auden's Col trek area,” — SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number evacuated on September 28. The Hindustan Times cites “at least five people,” while the Indian Express and New Indian Express report 29 trekkers from Auden’s Col. The chief minister’s briefing aggregates 40 rescued from Auden’s Col and Kalindi Pass. State-wide stranded figures also vary between 136 (Uttarkashi only) and 179. No definitive timeline is provided for evacuating the remaining 106 trekkers.
Why It Matters / Impact
The rescue highlights the logistical challenges of high-altitude operations when weather shifts rapidly. Road closures and pilgrimage suspensions affect Uttarakhand’s tourism economy. Ongoing coordination among agencies shows the state’s capacity to mobilize resources under extreme conditions, while the still-stranded groups underscore the need for sustained, weather-responsive planning.