Whereabouts of avalanche hit trekkers still unknown

• Krishna Dawadi

Kathmandu: 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 meters 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 the search for the missing has been troubled due to unfavorable weather conditions. 

TAAN Chair Hari Bhujel informed that the incident site has been thickly covered with snow since snowfall is continuing. Since the incident site is geographically distant and has no road and communication connectivity, it has further complicated the search operation, TAAN informed. 

He informed that an 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 the trekking route. Locals and people’s representatives had joined hands to rescue the injured trekkers

Four Chinese Tourists found alive

At least four Chinese who were reported missing from Manang after an avalanche hit them on the Annapurna trekking circuit, have been found alive on Sunday according to the Nepali authorities.(RSS).