More than half of the dead are foreigners, and many others remain missing in one of the worst disasters in Nepal’s mountainous region.
Soldiers prepare to airlift an avalanche victim in Thorong La pass area, Nepal, on Wednesday.
AP Photo/Nepalese Army
A massive blizzard and avalanche in Nepal's Himalaya climbing region have left at least 20 people dead, with many more still missing, the New York Times reported.
October is the most popular time for trekking in the region, because of the usually ideal weather, and it is believed as many as 200 trekkers were caught in the blizzard starting Tuesday. Experts say the intense weather was the aftermath of Cyclone Hudhud in eastern India.
At least a dozen of the dead were found in the Annapurna Circuit in central Nepal, which is a common destination for trekkers. Another five people were in an avalanche on Mount Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh-highest mountain, and remain missing.
A Facebook group called "Annapurna Nepal Avalanche and Blizzard Info Share" was started for people to share information about those missing.
At least 22 people were found alive on Wednesday, but the Nepali Army and police force had to suspend search operations until Thursday, because of snow accumulation — more than two feet in some areas.
The death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue teams continue to look for the missing.
from BuzzFeed - Breaking http://ift.tt/1vxSEFw
No comments:
Post a Comment