KATHMANDU: A search and rescue operation for the four South Korean trekkers and three Nepali guides missing after being struck by an avalanche in northwest Nepal could take weeks due to bad weather, rescuers said.
The area of last Friday’s disaster lies along the popular Annapurna trekking route, about 150km northwest of the capital Kathmandu. Heavy snowfall and avalanches have hindered the efforts to rescue and save seven trekkers.
Tourism Department official Mira Acharya said seven rescuers from the Trekking Agents’ Association of Nepal had reached the site with rescue equipment but could not begin the search due to new avalanches and rains.
“They are waiting for the weather to clear to start looking for the missing tourists,” Acharya said, estimating the search operation could take 20 days.
Four South Korean nationals have been identified as Jeong Pil Bong, Lee Min Su, Choi Hyowon and, Kim Sookja while three Nepalis have been identified as Saroj Pariyar, Chhiring Bhote and Min Bahadur Lama.
One of the rescuers, Bijay KC, said that even if the weather cleared it would take several weeks for the snow to melt, hampering the overall operation.
Mount Annapurna is the world’s 10th highest mountain at 8,091 meters (26,545 feet). Its base camp is known for its spectacular beauty and thousands of trekkers go there every year.
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