Nepal continues search for missing trekkers

Mountain rescue teams in Nepal searched for scores of missing trekkers on Thursday after unseasonable blizzards and avalanches killed at least 30 people along the high altitude Annapurna mountain route popular with backpackers.

Officials said 23 bodies have been found on the popular Annapurna circuit trekking route, while five climbers who were staying at a mountain base camp when it was hit by an avalanche could not be found and were presumed dead.

Three Nepalese yak herders were also killed when severe weather triggered by the tail end of Cyclone Hudhud hit the Annapurna region in central Nepal.

But the majority of victims were tourists - among them Canadians, Israelis and Indians - and their guides. In all, 168 foreign tourists were registered to hike in the affected districts.

Army and civilian rescue workers said between 73 and 85 trekkers were unaccounted for but some may have left the area, rescue workers said.

It was the second major mountain disaster to strike Nepal this year. In April, an ice-avalanche killed 16 Sherpa guides on Qomolangma, known in the West as Mount Everest.

"It is one of the worst mountaineering accidents that I can remember," said Gopal Babu Shrestha, the treasurer of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal, who has been helping with the rescue. "It is inevitable that the death toll will rise."

Shrestha took part in helicopter rescue operations on Wednesday and said he had seen what looked like bright jackets and backpacks scattered near the Thorang-La pass, at an altitude of 5,416 meters, which is the highest point of the trail that loops around the Annapurna peak, the world's 10th highest mountain.

A Facebook page set up on Wednesday to help friends and relatives trace loved ones trekking in Nepal quickly filled with concerned posts from the United States, Canada, Australia and South Korea.

Authorities said 43 people have been rescued, and some are recovering in hospital in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.

More helicopters

The hikers' deaths come during the peak trekking season in Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 highest mountains, including Qomolangma.

For two days this week, Nepal was lashed by heavy rain brought by the cyclone, which turned into blizzards at high altitudes.

A ground team of about 50 soldiers and police joined army helicopters looking for survivors or bodies.

"The weather is good," said Baburam Bhandari, district governor of Mustang district, the area worst hit by the disaster. "One army helicopter has already left for the site and more helicopters will be pressed into service later."

Reuters - AP - AFP

(China Daily 10/17/2014 page12)