Who were nine trekkers killed in Uttarakhand blizzard during Sahastra Tal trek?

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Nine trekkers died in Sahastra Tal trek: The nine trekkers succumbed to hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and causes dangerously low body temperature below 35°C.

Nine trekkers tragically lost their lives after being trapped in a blizzard while returning from Sahastra Tal in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on June 4. The group, part of a 22-member trekking team organised by the Karnataka Mountaineering Association (KMA), faced severe weather conditions that caused them to lose their way.

A joint air-ground rescue operation was launched and 13 trekkers were rescued.

Even as poor weather hindered helicopter efforts and posed challenges for the rescue teams, including two Cheetah helicopters and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, many were saved.

As per reports, the tragedy struck on June 3, as the group was descending from Sahastra Tal peak. At around 3:30 pm, a whiteout was caused by a blizzard that led to the trekkers losing visibility, said KMA secretary Srivatsa.

Reports quoting Madhu Kiran Reddy, one of the survivors, said, “We were all taking shelter under a big rock and two people died in the night right in front of us due to the cold. Two others were dead by morning, while five more died the next day.”

The nine trekkers succumbed to hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and causes dangerously low body temperature below 35°C.

Individuals with diverse interests

Among the deceased were several notable individuals with diverse interests and contributions to society. The 71-year-old Asha Sudhakar had reportedly participated in numerous high-altitude expeditions and was honoured with the Dasara Award and Kalasha Award for her mountaineering feats. Her husband, S. Sudhakar, survived the trek.

Padmini Hegde, 34, one of the youngest victims, was a UX researcher at Google, involved in sustainable design projects in Meghalaya, as per Indian Express.

Anita Rangappa, 55, a senior trekker with vast experience, was remembered as an avid trekker who viewed age as just a number. Venkatesh Prasad was a computer science engineer and active trekker, known for motivating others to trek and for his meticulous planning.

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Sujata and Vinayak Mungurwadi, both 52, were a couple active in mountaineering and social work and were involved in Covid-19 relief activities. Chitra Praneeth, 48, set up the HSR Layout Citizens’ Forum and promoted sustainable practices. Sindhu Wakekalam, 44, an experienced trekker and computer science engineer, had explored multiple terrains across India.

Padmanabha Krishnamurthy, 50, a chartered accountant, was deeply connected to his hometown. Krishnamurthy contributed to local temple development and was known for his community involvement.

(With inputs from agencies)