Nepal: At least 21 trekkers die in Himalaya blizzard

At least 21 people, 10 of them foreigners, have died in central Nepal after a severe snow hit the Himalayas.

The highest number of deaths – two Israelis, two Poles and eight Nepalese – happened when a blizzard hit a point on the Annapurna Circuit.

Scores of trekkers remain out of contact while returning from an Annapurna Circuit pass.

Meanwhile five more climbers are presumed dead after an avalanche in nearby Manang district.

Officials say four were from Canada and one from India.

Three Nepalese farmers have also been killed in a separate avalanche in the same area.

At least 21 people, 10 of them foreigners, have died in central Nepal after a severe snow hit the Himalayas

Severe rain and snowstorms in Nepal appear to have been triggered by Cyclone Hudhud in neighboring India.

Cyclone Hudhud hit south-east India earlier this week – satellite pictures now show it moving away from Nepal towards China.

The bad weather hit a resting place 14,800ft above sea level, not far below the Circuit’s highest point, the Thorung La pass.

The trekkers who were killed or remain missing were on their way down.

An army official co-ordinating the search operation said two military helicopters had been sent from the capital Kathmandu to assist the rescue operation.

Thousands of trekkers visit the Annapurna Circuit every October, when weather conditions are usually favourable for hiking trips.

What appears to be a freak snowstorm a little under the highest pass caused mayhem, with many people still believed to be trapped in snow.

Only a little to the east, near Mount Manaslu, a French man died after being swept into a river.

The deaths come just months after 16 Sherpa mountain guides died in Nepal’s worst ever accident on Mount Everest.

Nepal’s high peaks attract some of the world’s best climbers – but trekking is generally safe and appeals to masses of ordinary outdoor enthusiasts.

lafkNRcb3AE
Nancy Clayson

Nancy is a young, full of life lady who joined the team shortly after the BelleNews site started to run. She is focused on bringing up to light all the latest news from the technology industry. In her opinion the hi-tech expresses the humanity intellectual level. Nancy is an active person; she enjoys sports and delights herself in doing gardening in her spare time, as well as reading, always searching for new topics for her articles.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago