Rescue operations are underway as dozens are still missing. As per media reports, 12 more helicopters were pressed into action to drop searchers in inaccessible spots, while the soldiers patrolled through different directions along the 240 km long route.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, no snowfall is expected for next 36 hours. However, snowfall will again resurface post that time period, which might hinder relief operations.
Thorong La, the highest pass along the popular Annapurna trek, is at an altitude of 5,416 meters, but the route does not necessitate mountaineering experience, which is the prime reason that lures scores of foreign adventure tourists here every year. Moreover, the disaster struck at a time when the weather is usually calm and clear.
What can be termed as Nepal's worst mountain disaster ever, a blizzard had engulfed trekking groups trying to scale the popular hiking route on October 15. Severe weather was triggered by the tail end of Cyclone Hudhud, which battered the east coast of neighbouring India on October 12 before heading northward.
Aftermath of Cyclone Hudhud has impacted the peak trekking season in Nepal with the series of avalanches, landslides, heavy downpour and snowstorm. The cyclone also sparked heavy downpours in other parts of central and western Nepal, including district of Masang and Mustang.