MOSCOW, October 18 (RIA Novosti) - Nepal Troops have boosted search efforts on Himalayan terrain for survivors of the blizzard that killed some 30 people, wounded 175, and left 40 missing, NBC News reported Saturday.
"This will be the most rigorous combing and tracking exercise we have launched so far," Niranjan Shrestha, the army official leading the search and rescue effort was quoted as saying by NBC News.
"The soldiers will be digging up the snow to make sure they do not leave a single body behind. They have be very fast and end the operation before evening," Shrestha added.
Avalanches triggered by unseasonal blizzards have so far killed some 30 people during peak trekking season around Annapurna, the world's 10th-tallest mountain peak. Twelve helicopters will be used to drop searchers in areas inaccessible by foot while soldiers continue to search surrounding areas for survivors.
The country's worst mountain disaster hit the Mustang and Manang district on Tuesday however rescuers could only begin search efforts on Wednesday after the severe weather cleared. Trekkers from all over the world travel to Annapurna in October to hike the 150-mile route around the mountain which takes some three weeks to finish.
