Pokhara, October 26:

Four hundred tourists are stranded in Manang since several days due to heavy snowfall. They could not be evacuated even today.

Since the weather has not improved rescue operations could not be conducted, said tourism officer of Annapurna Region Conservation Project, Anu Lama. It was not clear how many people of Yak and Chauri died in the snowfall, a local Hira Malla said. Even tourists on their way back could not reach their destination. Malla added that some tourists clearing the snowfall were heading to low altitude places. Tourists are facing a tough time as communications are also on the blink in Manang.

The authorities stationed at checkposts of Annapurna conservation region project have begun rescue operations for bringing tourists to safe places, said Raj Kumar Gurung of the project’s liaison office at Manang. Snow was as deep as four feet at places above 4000-m and as a result there were respiratory problems for people. There never has been such intense snowfall, said locals. Most of the people have moved down to Pokhara, Butwal and Kathmandu to skip the cold. But they could not carry their baggage as the snowfall was too sudden, Malla said.

People were hoping the weather would improve but till today there is no sign of change. The area most severely affected is Nara VDC, locals said. Nearly half of the households there are affected. Manang’s Ghyaru, Bhraka, Manang, Chame, Tanki Manang, Pisang VDCs are also affected.

President of the TAN western chapter, Basu Dev Parajuli, said a group of tourists on an expedition from Pokhara had to return to Pokhara due to heavy snowfall. Parajuli, who also runs the Khampa Treks, said four tourists sent ahead by his company for Pisang Peak expedition returned from Manang’s high camp due to rainfall. TAN is advising tourists not to go on expeditions, he said.

Bad weather is also hindering air flights here from Pokhara. An employee of the Pokhara tourism office, Shaligram Adhikari, said he could not release details of developments in Manang as he could not establish contact with anyone in Manang.