Fears for Australians unaccounted for in Himalaya trekking disaster

A number of Australians remain missing in the Himalayas where the toll of trekkers confirmed dead since a snowstorm hit last week has reached 40.

Body of a trekker pulled of Nepal mountain

A handout picture made available by the Nepalese Army shows members of the army pulling the body of a trekker from the Thorung La mountain pass on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. (EPA)

There are concerns for a number of Australians still missing almost a week after a snowstorm and avalanches hit a popular trekking route.

Yesterday, 12 more bodies were found as Nepalese rescue teams using helicopters scoured a popular route around Annapurna, which was hit by a blizzard and avalanches on October 14.

The death toll now totals 40, but there are concerns for 40 more who are still missing.

Almost 500 people have been rescued since operations started last week at the world's 10th highest peak.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says no Australian casualties have been reported but the embassy in Kathmandu is seeking information about the welfare of Australians in the affected area.

"Embassy staff remain ready to assist any Australians affected by this tragedy. Nepalese authorities continue to advise there are no reports of Australian casualties, so far," the spokesperson said.

Fairfax Media reports an unofficial website set up by families and friends of trekkers listed 23 Australians as still missing, including Sydney father Simon Wilde and his daughter, Sophie, 17, who had not made contact with family since October 6.

Four helicopters were sent out Sunday to the affected areas in Mustang, Manang and Dolpa with a police official saying 34 trekkers were rescued, including 17 Nepalese, 10 Germans, five Swedes and two Australians.

Nepal has pledged to set up a weather warning system after the snowstorm caught trekkers unaware as they heading to an exposed high mountain pass on the circuit.

The disaster follows Mount Everest's deadliest avalanche that killed 16 guides in April on the world's highest peak, forcing an unprecedented shutdown.




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