Seven hikers, four South Koreans and three Nepalese, have been missing for almost a week after an avalanche in the Himalayan massif of Annapurna (Nepal). The search was suspended on Thursday due to the weather, tourism officials said.
"The situation has become too risky" for the search to continue, said the head of the Nepalese tourism department. “We will resume when the conditions allow it and when the mass of snow begins to melt. Some of the snow accumulated in the area could melt in two days if the sunshine is sufficient. But this melting could also take a month.
Salute for Nepal Army 🤝🇳🇵
A search and rescue operation by Nepal Army on Annapurna Base Camp where South Korean trekkers & Nepali Guides are missing due to avalanche.
By Kundan Shrestha pic.twitter.com/1VOaQ1hBGp
Another avalanche risk
The avalanche took place at around 3,200 m above sea level, near the base camp for the ascent of Annapurna. This Wednesday, Nepalese army rescuers, South Korean specialists, Nepalese and avalanche dogs explored an area where localization device signals were detected.
But new avalanches that have occurred since then have caused a snowfall complicating the operation. "A larger avalanche is likely to occur," warned helicopter company rescue coordinator Simrik Air, which is participating in the research.
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- Snow
- World
- Disappearance
- Hiking
- Nepal
- Avalanche
- Research