Search for avalanche-hit trekkers still difficult

-Krishna Dawadi

Whereabouts of four Korean and three Nepali nationals, who went missing in avalanche in Annapurna trekking zone, are still unknown.

They lost contact following the occurrence of avalanche around Hinku Cave located at an altitude of around 3,200 metres at 10.00 am on January 17. The trekkers were believably buried in the avalanche.

However, some foreign and domestic tourists had managed to escape the incident.

Whereabouts of Nepali tourist guide Saroj Pariyar, helper Min Bahadur Lama (Tamang) and Chhiring Bhote and Korean nationals, Lee Min Xu, Zongpil Bong, Kim Xok Ja and Choi Zo Won is still unknown.

Organizing a press release on Sunday, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Western Association Pokhara said search for the missing has been troubled due to unfavourable weather condition.

TAAN Chair Hari Bhujel informed that the incident site has been thickly covered with snow since snowfall is still continuing.

Since the incident site is geographically distant and has no road and communication connectivity, it ahs further complicated the search operation, TAAN informed.

He informed that a injured Chinese tourist Jwang Ying and his trekking assistant Jagadish Khatry were rescued and taken to Pokhara-based Fewacity Hospital.

Likewise, 130 tourists including Nepali were rescued from Machhapuchhre base camp, Deurali and the area across trekking route. Locals and people’s representatives had joined hands to rescue the injured trekkers.