Indian Himalayas: Death toll from avalanche rises to 19

Authorities in India say the death toll from the avalanche that struck climbers in the Himalayas has risen to 19 as bad weather lingers to the fourth day of search and rescue efforts.

The group of climbers includes trainees and instructors, who were caught in Tuesday’s massive snowslide near the summit of Mount Draupadi ka Danda II in the northern state of Uttarakhand.

Spokesperson for state disaster agency, Ridhim Aggarwal told newsmen that “Nineteen bodies have been recovered. 10 people are still missing”.

“Rescue operations have resumed for the day but are subject to weather,” she added.

Police, disaster authorities and the Indian air force have also  been on the rescue to help with search efforts, with 32 people recovered from the mountain despite the snow and rainfall.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police has also revealed that an advance helicopter landing ground had been prepared near the site of the avalanche at 4,900 metres (16,000 feet) above sea level.

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Sunil Lalwani, one of the rescued trainee climbers, lauded the instructors for coming to the rescue of many.

“It happened in a matter of seconds and we were dumped in a crevasse. We were somehow able to breathe. It’s because of them that we are alive today.” Lalwani said.

Among the bodies recovered earlier in the week was that of climber Savita Kanswal, who had toured Everest this year.

Although no substantial research has been done on the impacts of climate change on mountaineering risks in the Himalayas, but climbers has reported crevasses widening, running water on previously snowy slopes, and the increasing formation of glacial lakes.

Samuel Omowumi Racheal