Himalayan avalanches prompt evacuation of more than 200 climbers after seven go missing

Queuing for salvation: Himalayan climbers line-up for rescue helicopters after avalanches prompt evacuation… before MORE deadly snowslides follow

  • Tourists were pictured queuing on the slopes before being rescued by helicopter
  • Avalanches in the area started on Friday following heavy rains and snow
  • Missing South Koreans include two women in 30s and 50s and two men in 50s 

Himalayan climbers have been pictured lining-up for helicopter rescues after deadly avalanches prompted authorities to evacuate the slopes.

More than 200 climbers have already been flown to safety from popular trekking routes in the Deurali and Mount Annapurna area, Nepal.

Four South Koreans – two women aged in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s – along with three Nepali guides have gone missing after an avalanche hit Friday following heavy rain and snow. 

Tourists are pictured queuing on Deurali, Nepal, before being airlifted to safety from the snow-covered slopes

Evacuations are being carried out following avalanches this weekend, which has made the slopes too dangerous. (Pictured: Tourists awaiting rescue in Deurali, Nepal)

Evacuations are being carried out following avalanches this weekend, which has made the slopes too dangerous. (Pictured: Tourists awaiting rescue in Deurali, Nepal)

Four South Korean climbers - two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s - are missing along with three Nepali guides. Pictured above is the Deurali centre

Four South Korean climbers – two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s – are missing along with three Nepali guides. Pictured above is the Deurali centre

A second rescue mission for the missing South Koreans and guides is being planned, but won’t be carried out until snow and ice stops falling, Department of Tourism official Meera Acharya said.

The missing trekkers were teachers staying in Nepal for volunteer work, according to the Yonhap news agency.

Five others who were also part of the group have been rescued after they took shelter in a nearby lodge.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the avalanche hit at an altitude of 10,600 feet before noon Friday.  

Yonhap agency said South Korea has dispatched an emergency response team of two government workers along with officials from an education body and a tourism agency to Kathmandu to assist in the search operations. 

Avalanches started on Friday following heavy rain and snow. Pictured are tourists awaiting rescue

Avalanches started on Friday following heavy rain and snow. Pictured are tourists awaiting rescue

A second search for the missing South Koreans will begin once conditions improve

A second search for the missing South Koreans will begin once conditions improve

The South Korean consul based in the Nepalese capital departed for the accident site to call for the continuation of the rescue operation, Yonhap reported.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in vowed the upmost efforts to find the missing trekkers in a Facebook message posted on Sunday, the agency said.

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