Uttarakhand ordeal: how eight trekkers survived on dry fruits in biting cold for 30 hours

Reflecting on the evening of the tragic event, trekker VS Jayaprakash told _The New Indian Express_, "I had ventured to Uttarakhand for trekking previously. That evening, the biting

cold escalated abruptly to an intolerable degree. The harrowing experience we endured will remain etched in our memories forever." Jayaprakash elaborated, "On Monday evening, our

group was progressing towards Sahastratal when, following a torrential downpour, icy winds commenced blowing. The snowstorm's intensity grew steadily, compelling us to halt to safeguard

our lives." Another trekker Smriti Prakash said, "Amid the snowstorm, we found ourselves facing a significant threat. Attempts to reach out for help were futile due to the lack of

network connectivity, leaving us unable to inform anyone about our predicament. As night fell, the situation grew even more dire, making it increasingly challenging to ensure our

survival." Recalling that fateful night, Smriti said, "Using the light from our mobile phone torch, we maintained communication and provided mutual support throughout the night. In

order to curb our hunger, we were snacking on dry fruits intermittently. When the helicopter finally arrived on Wednesday morning, a sense of relief swept through us as we believed we were

finally safe." The Uttarakhand government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the Silla-Kalyan-Sahastratal track route accident. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi issued orders for the

inquiry on Thursday.