A blizzard in southern Chile's Torres del Paine National Park has resulted in the deaths of four foreign tourists, including a British woman. The incident occurred on Monday when nine individuals went missing amid severe weather conditions characterized by heavy snowfall and winds reaching 120 mph.

Rescue Operations and Casualties
On the day of the blizzard, nine tourists were reported missing in the popular nature reserve, located in Patagonia. Search efforts were complicated by adverse weather, which prevented helicopters from flying. Despite these challenges, four individuals were successfully rescued from a remote area. Tragically, the bodies of two Mexican nationals, two German tourists, and the British woman were later confirmed deceased. The search involved 24 personnel, including police, soldiers, and mountain rescue teams.

Evacuation and Consular Procedures
José Antonio Ruiz, the presidential delegate for the Magallanes region, stated that preparations are underway for the evacuation of the deceased tourists. This process includes consular procedures due to the victims' nationalities. Ruiz emphasized the importance of safety in the ongoing efforts, noting that the evacuation of the bodies by air would only occur when weather conditions permit.

Tourism Context in Torres del Paine
The Torres del Paine National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and rivers, making it a favored destination for tourists. In 2024, the park saw a significant increase in visitors, with over 367,000 tourists, a rise of nearly two-thirds compared to the previous year. November marks late spring in the southern hemisphere, with peak tourist activity typically occurring during the summer months from December to February.

Government Response
Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, labeling the incident a "tragedy." He commended the rescue teams for their relentless efforts in the search and recovery operations. A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that they are in communication with local authorities regarding the incident, although they have not yet released the identity of the British woman.

Wrap-up
The tragic events in Torres del Paine serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions in mountainous regions. As rescue operations continue, authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of all visitors to the park and improving preparedness for future incidents.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team