At least nine Indian trekkers have tragically lost their lives after being trapped in a snowstorm in the Himalayas, while five others were rescued alive. This information was confirmed by the Indian Air Force, as reported by Reuters on Thursday.

The incident involved a group of mountaineers from Karnataka who were on an expedition in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. They were caught in a severe snowstorm.

Krishna Byre Gowda, a senior minister from Karnataka, stated that the group encountered heavy snowfall that escalated into a blizzard. "By 6 PM on Tuesday, two trekkers had succumbed to the harsh weather conditions," he explained. The blizzard's intensity, coupled with strong winds, made any movement impossible and reduced visibility to zero, forcing the trekkers to huddle together for the night. Unfortunately, several more succumbed to the conditions overnight.

The tragic incident occurred near the border of the North Kashi and Tehri districts of Uttarakhand. 

Rescue operations were immediately launched by the Central Disaster Response Force, Indian Air Force, and State Disaster Response Force. Their efforts have so far resulted in the rescue of five trekkers, but the search continues amidst challenging weather conditions.

This incident highlights the dangers faced by trekkers in the Himalayas, particularly during extreme weather events, and underscores the importance of preparedness and timely response in such remote and challenging environments.