13 US trekkers, guide escape avalanche, hide behind rock

DEHRADUN: A group of 14 trekkers, including 13 Americans and an Indian guide, had a close shave on Thursday night when an avalanche hit their tents near Pindari glacier in Bageshwar district, reports Kalyan Das.
On Friday, one of the trekkers used a satellite phone to alert the authorities concerned after which a team of state disaster response force (SDRF) was dispatched to the area on Saturday.
Shikha Suyal, district disaster management officer, Bageshwar, told TOI, “The group was headed towards Milam glacier in Pithoragarh through a trail pass near Pindari glacier under a 40-day trekking course. They had started the trek on April 3 after doing the registration at Kapkot forest checkpost. On Thursday night, after reaching the zero point at an altitude of 11,500 ft, they were resting in their tents at night when an avalanche hit the area. However, they were quick enough to take refuge behind a huge rock to avert tragedy,” said Suyal.
She added, “On Saturday morning, we spoke to the team. They said that they were all safe but lost their backpacks and all other luggage under the snow. All of them are coming down to Khati village which is at an altitude of about 8,000 ft. They are most likely to meet the SDRF rescue team midway.”
The trekkers were identified as Sarah Martin, 38, Allison Maye Gunther, 25, Catlin Piper, 22, Emilie Sarmiento, 20, Lily Wheeler, 20, Logan Moya, 18, Taylor Joy Pajunen, 24, William Carter Jahncke, 40, Adin Gilman Cohen, 23, Benyon Wright, 25, Connor White, 20, Laine Pickell, 22, Samuel Colesworthy, 24, all residents of the USA, and their Indian guide Pranesha Manchaiah, 46, a resident of Bengaluru.
Inspector (SDRF), Lalita Negi, said that an eight-member SDRF team led by ASI Mahipal Singh is conducting the operations. “They are carrying all the required relief material with them. As per the last information, the team met the trekkers midway and is bringing them safely to Dwari area, where they will spend the night at a guest house. From there, they will leave for Khati on Sunday morning. None of the trekkers have reported any health issues,” said Negi.
“Our medical department team will be present to investigate the trekkers. No tourist will be allowed to face any kind of trouble,” said Anuradha Pal, DM, Bageshwar. (with inputs from Pramod Dalakoti)