Search for Missing Persons in Annapurna Enters 7th Day; 'Korean Team' Returns Home... Search Efforts Hampered

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] Search operations for four missing Korean teachers and three locals in Nepal's Annapurna Himalayas have been temporarily suspended due to repeated bad weather.

The KT drone search team led by mountaineer Captain Eom Hong-gil, who was involved in the search for the missing persons, has also decided to return home. The Nepalese military and civilian search teams will also temporarily withdraw from the site.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs rapid response team stated, "The military search team, search dog teams, and civilian search teams have all withdrawn to Pokhara."

The KT drone search team conducted on-site searches for three consecutive days starting from the 21st. Large drones and rescue dogs were also deployed at the site.

Captain Eom Hong-gil said, "We have done everything we can," adding, "We have no choice but to wait until the snow melts."

He continued, "Due to this avalanche, it appears that 3 to 5 meters of snow and ice have accumulated near the road at the accident site, and 7 to 10 meters near the valley floor beside the road," adding, "Considering that a 6-meter probe fully penetrated, it is possible that the missing persons are buried about 10 meters below."

Nepalese military special search and rescue unit personnel also withdrew together on the same day. Rescue dogs deployed in the search are reportedly unable to detect any scent due to the large scale and depth of the avalanche. The large drones deployed by the KT drone search team also malfunctioned due to the severe cold.

The Nepalese military, civilian, and police forces began searching from the day after the disappearance, the 18th, but there has been little progress.

Meanwhile, four teachers from the Chungnam Office of Education went missing on the morning of the 17th while descending from Annapurna Deurali Lodge, swept away by an avalanche along with three Nepalese guides (including one from another group). The large scale of the avalanche and continued smaller avalanches after the accident have made the search for the missing persons difficult.