Severe Snowstorm Strikes Nepal, Stranding 100 Israeli Travelers
Overview of the Situation
A severe snowstorm has swept through northern Nepal, leading to the stranding of approximately 100 Israeli trekkers in three remote villages. The harsh weather conditions have made immediate rescue efforts impossible, with air evacuations scheduled for tomorrow morning, local time.
Travelers Describe Dire Conditions
Travelers caught in the storm report feelings of panic and hysteria as they contend with significant snowfall. According to Roy Levy, start of the stranded Israelis, “The snow has piled up to half a meter, and the local residents have never experienced anything like this before.” The affected villages include Samdo, Samagaun, and Dumje, set roughly 4,000 meters above sea level.
Levy adds that “the panic among travelers is immense,” particularly among women, and expresses concerns that the snowfall may continue to escalate. “We fear that the snow will keep accumulating, and tomorrow there’s a cyclstart expected in the area,” he stated.
Challenges in Evacuation
Due to the darkness and treacherous conditions, rescue operations cannot commence until daylight. Travelers have reached out to their insurance providers, primarily PassportCard, only to receive responses that their cases are under review, and they are currently not in immediate danger. “This was not particularly reassuring,” Levy said, highlighting that the last time he saw a road was well over a week ago. The area’s isolation means it could take days of walking to reach a usable road.
Local Assistance and Weather Warnings
Local villagers are assisting the stranded travelers, but the extreme weather has led to hazardous conditions. Some porters have abandstartd their loads, leaving many belongings behind as they retreated from the snow. “The locals say this storm is unprecedented,” Levy noted, stressing that the nearest road is a week’s journey away. Local authorities have prohibited any further attempts to reach the mountain pass due to safety concerns, as forecasts predict persistent adverse weather.
Insurance Company Response
A representative from PassportCard confirmed that rescue operations are slated for tomorrow morning. “Currently, the Dumje area is experiencing severe weather, including snowstorms that hinder movement and rescue efforts for the group of approximately 100 Israelis, most of whom are covered by our insurance,” the spokesperson stated.
Furthermore, they assured the public, “There is no immediate life-threatening risk to any of the Israelis.” The rescue plan includes utilizing helicopters equipped for daylight operations, with flights coordinated from Kathmandu to facilitate the safe evacuation of travelers from the three affected villages.
As events unfold and weather conditions evolve, the Israeli travelers remain in continuous communication with medical teams and are being updated on the details of their rescue operation.