Srinagar (J&K): Two persons are feared dead after they got stranded with 11 other trekkers amid heavy rains in the Tarsar Marsar mountain area in south Kashmir on Wednesday. However, authorities have been able to rescue 11 other trekkers.
"Fortunately we have rescued 11 persons from the group. Unfortunately, two persons Dr Shakil and Dr Mahesh have reportedly drowned. they are missing," Tehsildar Pahalgam Muhammad Hussain told ETV Bharat. He also said that the 11 trekkers have been brought to Aru camp where they have been given first aid. "While Dr Shakil hails from Gagangeer village of Ganderbal in Kashmir, Dr Mahesh is a resident of Uttarakhand. "Efforts to trace the missing trekkers are underway," Hussain said.
Thirteen tourists including three local guides were trekking through the Tarsar-Marsar area earlier in the day when they were caught in heavy rainfall. The trekkers lost contact with the base camp in Pahalgam. The tehsildar said that a travel advisory had been issued in the area for trekkers and hikers due to inclement weather for the past four days. "Unfortunately, this group got stranded in the upper reaches area despite the advisory," he added.
Tarsar and Marsar are twin lakes, separated by a narrow stretch of land in the upper reaches of south Kashmir. The twin lakes are accessible from Srinagar, Pahalgam and Tral areas and hundreds of sightseers and trekkers visit the area every year.
Also read: J&K: Flood alert in Kashmir plains; heavy rains trigger flash floods, landslides in higher reaches
Meanwhile, the Indian Army rescued scores of stranded passengers on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway (NH-44) which was blocked due to shooting stones and landslides at several places. About 400 cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses were stuck between Dalwas South of Chenani Tunnel and Banihal. Stranded passengers gave numerous distress calls for rescue to safer places. The area between Ramban and Nachlana has been badly affected.
Swinging into action in a swift response, the Indian Army launched two columns of rescue teams from Digdaul in the affected areas to evacuate stranded passengers to safe locations. In addition, the Indian Army also provided hot meals and security to approx 300 stranded passengers including 100 children, women and drivers of vehicles throughout Tuesday night, who were stuck near Ramsoo. The army is also trying to assist in the recovery of the vehicles which had skidded off the road. However, incessant rains since Tuesday Night and multiple landslides in the Chanderkot-Banihal stretch on NH-44 have been hampering rescue efforts.
