Kang Guru Tragedy
Nepal TV today confirmed the deaths of 18 climbers in one of the greatest tragedies in both French and Nepali climbing history"
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Avalanche wipes out complete French Expedition – 18 dead
Nepal TV today confirmed the deaths of 18 climbers in one of the greatest tragedies in both French and Nepali climbing history. A team of 7 French mountaineers and 11 Nepali support staff were caught in an avalanche n Mount Kang Guru, a 6,981m peak in the north-west of Nepal. Yesyerday an MI-17 helicopter was used to approach the area by the HRA rescue team, who confirmed the deaths. Four of the expeditions Sherpas survived as thery were outside their tents when the avalanche engulfed the camp. A storm following heavy snowfall triggered the avalanche, trapping both survivors and victims for 4 days before HRA Rescue teams could get close to the camp.
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Heavy snow falls and storms have arrived early this season, and the Rescue Association fears that other trekkers and mountaineers may be affected. The situation tragically recalls the fall of 1987 when 27 Western mountaineers and trekkers were found dead in Nepal trapped by snow storms.
The French ministry of Foreign Affairs has published an alert for people visiting Nepal to avoid trekking in the Annapurna area, due to the excess of snow. The trek to Annapurna BC and the Annapurna circuit are among the most popular trekking areas in Nepal. In addition, October and May are the two busiest months for Nepal trekkers.
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