What Happened to Over a Dozen Trekkers in Nepal's Mustang District Amid Heavy Snowfall?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a troubling turn of events, over a dozen trekkers, including three Austrians, have lost contact in Nepal's Mustang district due to severe snowfall. Local authorities are taking action to ensure the safety of these individuals while the weather continues to pose challenges. Read on to find out more about the situation and the ongoing rescue efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Thirteen trekkers are currently uncontactable in Mustang.
- Heavy snowfall has made communication difficult.
- Local authorities are taking safety precautions for trekkers.
- Efforts to restore contact are underway.
- Helicopter rescue operations may commence if weather improves.
Kathmandu, Oct 31 (NationPress) More than a dozen trekkers, which include three Austrian citizens along with several Nepali guides, have become unreachable in the isolated Mustang district of Nepal since Friday morning, amidst significant snowfall in the area, as per the trekking company that coordinated their journey.
In recent days, Nepal's elevated regions have been facing persistent snowfall, while numerous other locales have reported heavy downpours.
Local authorities in various mountainous areas have restricted trekkers from entering remote zones, citing safety concerns.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has indicated that the weather has worsened due to the effects of Cyclone Montha, which formed over the Bay of Bengal, creating hazards for both residents and trekkers.
Himalayan Adventure Sports Private Limited, the trekking organizer, reported that a group of 13 individuals — comprising nine Nepalis and three Austrians — has been out of contact in the secluded Mustang area.
“One of my guides managed to reach out to me at 11:30 a.m. today, but the connection was suddenly lost, and we have been unable to contact them since,” stated Dorje Tamang, Director of the organization, in an IANS interview late Friday evening. “Prior to this, I last communicated with them on October 24.”
Tamang mentioned that based on his last interaction with the guide, all team members were safe and were on their way back from the Damodar Kunda region, located at an altitude of 4,890 meters above sea level.
As per Tamang, the original intention was for the team to reach the Phu Gaun area in the adjacent Manang district via the Saribung Pass in Mustang. “However, according to the guide, they turned back from Damodar Kunda due to adverse weather. Since our last contact on Friday morning, I believe they should be safe,” he expressed.
Nepal's governmental bodies also noted that efforts are being made to restore communication with the unreachable trekkers. “Establishing communication in the Damodar Kunda area, which is facing heavy snowfall, can be quite challenging. However, we are particularly anxious about the trekkers' safety due to the severe weather conditions,” remarked Bishnu Prasad Bhusal, Chief District Officer of Mustang.
He added that helicopter rescue operations would commence on Saturday if weather conditions permit.
Point of View
It is our duty to report on the ongoing situation in Mustang with a commitment to the truth. The safety of trekkers is paramount, and we support the local authorities in their efforts to restore communication and ensure the safety of all involved. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
NationPress
01/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation of the trekkers in Mustang?
Over a dozen trekkers, including three Austrian nationals, have been out of contact since Friday morning due to heavy snowfall in Mustang.
What measures are being taken to contact the trekkers?
Local authorities are working to re-establish communication and have planned helicopter rescue operations if weather conditions improve.
How has the weather affected the trekking conditions?
Continuous snowfall and the impact of Cyclone Montha have severely affected weather conditions, making it dangerous for trekkers.
Who organized the trek for the missing trekkers?
The trek was organized by Himalayan Adventure Sports Private Limited.
What is the altitude of Damodar Kunda?
Damodar Kunda is situated at an altitude of 4,890 meters above sea level.
