The tragic expedition: The beautiful valley with snow covered mountains has turned into tragic valley. No one could ever imagine that the charming Himalayan region would be affected so much by strong chilly winds due to this year’s Hud Hud. Annapurna circuit trek is quite popular with mountaineering circles. Many first time mountaineers start expeditions with Annapurna circuit before Dolpo, Kanchengjunga, Makalu, Manaslu, and finally the Everest. But a devastating snowstorm because of cyclone has claimed 39 lives in Annapurna circuit, Nepal. Experts have claimed that trapped trekkers have faced exposure, frostbite, severe dehydration and then death.
Lots of people choose Annapurna circuit for hiking for its nice weather especially the way it unfolds after monsoon. It reveals the fabulous sides of the mountains. These attract many trekkers and walkers every year
Disastrous calamity: On Thursday nine missing Israeli tourists were rescued after intensive search operations in the high-altitude passes of Annapurna region and the neighbouring Manang district. The rescue operation has covered some of the remote areas to look out for trapped trekkers. So far 326 people have now been rescued. Unseasonably blizzard hits making many trapped due to chilly cold. The effects of the calamity have been so disastrous that the head of the Trekking Agencies Association Nepal claimed there had never been a disaster like this. Rescuers have tried their best to reach out to as many as trekkers trapped below a high Himalayan pass due to heavy snowfalls as the death toll has been increasing day by day. As the time went on, high chilly winds started hitting the central Nepal as the tail of the cyclone reached the Northern part of India towards Himalayan Mountain chain.
An expert opinion: For the meteorological department, appropriate weather report forecast deliverance on the right time is relevant. With that respecting every creation of nature plays pivotal role while exploring it. Says Satyarup Siddhanta, the well known mountaineer. He also believes, ‘the mountains will be there long after you are gone so if weather doesn’t permit, instead of challenging the Nature, respect it.’ Also according to him ‘Instead of blaming cheap tourists or inexperience it is far more important to ensure that trekkers/ guides / lodge owners have access to the weather forecast and the report is properly communicated.’ Hence before planning an expedition it is crucial to go through the weather reports thoroughly.