Death toll in Nepal avalanches increases to 29; over 100 rescued

With recovery of more bodies on Thursday, the death toll in avalanches and blizzards in Nepal increased to 29. Over 100 stranded tourists including several Indians and locals have been rescued.

With recovery of more bodies on Thursday, the death toll in avalanches and blizzards in Nepal increased to 29. Over 100 stranded tourists including several Indians and locals have been rescued.

Avalanches and snowstorms in Mustang, Manang and Myagdi districts bordering China on Tuesday and Wednesday had trapped hundreds of tourists and locals in the region popular for trekking.

“Nine more bodies were recovered on Thursday taking the total to 14 in Mustang. Nine of them are foreigners, five Nepalis and three yet to be identified,” said Baburam Bhandari, chief district officer of Mustang.

He informed that 42 stranded tourists were rescued from the district. Efforts are underway to recover mode bodies and rescue others.

“We managed to rescue 69 people including 47 foreigners and 22 Nepalis. Three Indians, four Canadians and three Nepalis are still missing,” said Devendra Lamichane, chief district officer of Manang.

Inclement weather and remoteness of the location is affecting rescue efforts in the district. Officials say chances of finding the missing alive are slim.

In Myagdi, rescue personnel recovered the bodies of two Slovakian nationals and three Nepali guides. They had gone on an expedition to Dhaulagiri (8167 m) peak when they were trapped in an avalanche near the base camp.

“The bodies were found buried under several feet of snow. They are being brought back to the district headquarters at Beni,” said an official at the Myagdi district office.

Two Indians were rescued in the district on Thursday.