Helicopter Carrying 6 Vanishes Near Joshimath; Search Ops Underway
A helicopter carrying six people vanished near Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. Search operations are underway amid severe weather.
Panic has gripped the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand after a helicopter missing in Uttarakhand was reported near the Hathi Parvat region. The aircraft, which was transporting six individuals—including five passengers and a pilot—disappeared while flying from Badrinath to Dehradun.
Loss of Contact Near Hathi Parvat
The helicopter was reportedly operated by a firm known as Charlie X-Ray. According to official reports, the aircraft lost all communication with ground control in the vicinity of Hathi Pahad (Hathi Parvat), located close to Joshimath. The sudden silence from the cockpit has triggered an emergency response from the local authorities.
The district administration has acted swiftly, deploying an aerial search team in another helicopter to scan the rugged terrain and locate the missing aircraft and its occupants.
Severe Weather Complicates Rescue
The disappearance comes at a time when Uttarakhand is battling volatile weather conditions. Heavy rainfall and snowfall have been reported across various parts of the state, potentially hindering visibility and search efforts.
Snowfall at Kedarnath Dham
In a striking display of nature's power, Kedarnath Dham has witnessed its first heavy snowfall of the season. Continuous snowfall since Thursday, October 29, has blanketed the surrounding hills in thick white snow, causing temperatures in the region to plummet significantly.
Meteorological Warnings
Dr CS Tomar, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Dehradun, has indicated that the unstable weather is likely to persist. Key highlights from the weather report include:
- Recent Activity: Heavy rainfall was recorded at eight to nine locations on October 29, specifically impacting Haridwar, Tehri, and Uttarkashi districts.
- Immediate Forecast: Rainfall activity is expected to continue through Friday, with a higher probability of showers in the Kumaon region.
- Long-term Outlook: Light to very light rain is predicted for October 31, and may continue at isolated spots in the northern hilly districts on November 1 and 2.
Administration on High Alert
Given the perilous weather and the ongoing search operation, district administrations have been placed on high alert to safeguard commuters and pilgrims. District Magistrate Prashant Arya has ordered the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) to operate in alert mode to monitor weather patterns and implement safety measures.
To ensure the safety of those visiting the shrines, authorities are utilizing live CCTV cameras to monitor road conditions and the status of the Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines. The administration has issued a strong appeal to all devotees and pilgrims to follow police advisories and take necessary precautions against the extreme cold.