Stranded tourists evacuated after multiple avalanches trap 1,000 people in China

Rescuers evacuated tourists on Tuesday from a remote skiing area in north-western 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.

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 towards the military helicopter, while a long queue of outgoing cars was seen on the cleared road.

State media cited the local highway administration as saying the avalanches had affected 220 miles (350km) of road.

Known as an emerging ski destination, Altay prefecture had been hit by heavy snowfall since early January.

China Daily, citing the Xinjiang meteorological bureau, said at least 31 avalanches had been reported as of Saturday.

Authorities at the Kanas scenic area, where Hemu village is located, said it will be closed until at least January 20 due to continued extreme weather.