Search for Surviving Trekkers Concludes

       There are no remaining trekkers left stranded after the Nepalese government has completed their search for survivors after the devastating Himalayan storm.  The main focus is to now recover bodies, however it is unclear how many are dead in the country's worst-ever trekking disaster.  At least 39 are known to be dead after nearly 400 people were rescued.  The fifth day of the search by army and private helicopters has concluded over the 241 km circuit which roughly takes three weeks to complete.  However conditions are worsening which only adds to the difficulties of the mission.  Nepalese, Japanese, Israeli, Canadian, Indian, Slovak, Vietnamese and Polish trekkers were among those said to be dead.  The storm, the worst in a decade, poured up to 1.8m of snowfall in 12 hours.

The Annapurna Circuit passes Mount Annapurna, the worlds
10th highest mountain

        I believe that the search was a relative success for the Nepalese military and government.  Well over the anticipated quota in such a disaster have survived.  Though, many survivors have been left with severe frostbite which will ultimately lead to amputation of limbs, the search was successful as they managed to recover all of the remaining survivors.  The Annapoura circuit is amongst the most dangerous and most beautiful in the world.  However, I think that there should be more supervision and contact on the trek.  Many have died without notice on the track since it opened in 1977 to tourists.  However, they are not discovered dead until nearby store owners or future trekkers discover the horrible sight.  This was an unfortunate even determinately, however it is excellent that the government was able to have such immediate response.  Still though, even with excellent response, there must be pro activity so that in a future such situation the large amount of casualties are minimized.  

 William Deo

Adapted from:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29679773