Avalanche Hits the Annapurna Base Camp Trails Nepal 2020 - 7 Trekkers are still Missing

7 missing after avalanche hits the Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

Although 8 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered one of the safest and easiest treks in the Himalayan Region of Nepal, the influence of the westerly low-pressure system weakens the weather of Annapurna Region in the 3rd week of January 2020. The avalanche hits the Annapurna Base Camp on Friday due to heavy snowfall in the higher areas of Nepal. It has been reported that 7 trekkers including 4 Korean and 3 Nepali guides are still missing in the Annapurna area as avalanche hits the 8 trekking routes of this region. According to the reports, the 4 missing Korean trekkers were in a group of 11-member team on Annapurna Base Camp Trek since 15 January. It is reported that the weather on Friday, 17 January, was unfavorable for trekking on that day. Despite, the 9 Koreans, leaving 2 trekkers at the lodges, commenced the trek. The Korean embassy has also released the name list of the 3 missing trekkers while the name of 1 trekker is kept secret on special request of family members. All the missing trekkers were teachers who are working as volunteers in Nepal.   When avalanche struck the Annapurna Base Camp after continuous snowfall, there were almost 70-80 trekkers plus guides-porters on ABC Trek or on 9 days Poon Hill Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The authority deployed rescue helicopters for the search rescue operation as soon as they were informed about the incident. It is told that almost 65 trekkers from the prone areas were evacuated by the helicopters and sheltered in the safe places. The Korean embassy had also sent helicopters to search the lost trekkers in the areas. Still, it is believed that there are other few trekkers stuck on the affected trails after avalanche hits the Annapurna Base Camp Trails. The official has informed that the rescue operation will be more effective from Sunday onwards when the climate will be clear and snow gets melted. There are many icy-moraine boulders, and glacial rivers in the higher trails of Annapurna Region so trekking in this region during snowfall is always risky. The area above Himalaya Hotel, near Hinku cave (Deurali), is one of the most prone areas for the avalanche. The officials have also stated that the trekkers were out of contact from Deurali of Annapurna Region since Friday as the avalanche hits the Annapurna base camp due to the continuous snowfall on Friday (01/17/2020). After the wide-spread news of avalanche, the government officials have stopped the trail for trekkers and other trekkers on ABC Trek descended down on the same day. Winter is the off-trekking season in Nepal, however, many trekking companies arrange the short 5 days Poon Hill Trek in this season if climate favors for trekking. But, if the trekkers want to join the high region trek, the trekkers need to check the weather forecast on a regular basis during the off-season trekking time. The trekkers also need to do insurance with the authentic insurance company which can evacuate them during emergencies and natural calamities as fatal incidents occur in the Himalayas seem usual in the winter season. You can check the video to know how the trails and weather of the Annapurna region becomes during winter snowfall.   https://youtu.be/HqrjHK7ckRs Every year in the best trekking season, hundreds of trekkers join Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek as Nepal is the best trekking destination in the world. But, due to global warming and climate change, trekking in the high altitude treks are hazardous and need to take some precautions. The death caused by an avalanche in the Himalayas after the 2015 earthquake, and 2018 snowstorm, the Nepal government, the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), and other authorized agencies need to make some strict rules and policies for the trekkers trekking in Nepal.