China, Jan 17:
Rescuers evacuated tourists on Tuesday from a remote skiing area in northwestern China where dozens
of avalanches triggered by heavy snow have trapped more than 1,000 people for a week, state media
said.
The avalanches have blocked roads, stranding both tourists and residents in a village in Altay prefecture
in the Xinjiang region, close to China’s border with Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan.
Those injured were being airlifted out on a military helicopter while supplies such as food and fuel were
being flown in.
State broadcaster CCTV said a snow-blocked road linking Hemu village to major roads was cleared on
Tuesday, enabling vehicles to enter and tourists to drive themselves out.
Footage showed dozens of tourists dragging luggage over snow-covered areas toward a military
helicopter, while a long line of outgoing cars was seen on the cleared road.
State media cited the local highway administration as saying the avalanches affected 350 kilometers
(220 miles) of roads. Road clearing efforts were hampered due to the area’s geography as roads leading
to Hemu are situated in a valley with tree-covered slopes.
