Turkey: Avalanche buries search team, most rescued

While most members of search team were rescued, several died from the avalanche in eastern Turkey, say authorities

By Cemal Asan

VAN, Turkey (AA) - A score of Turkish search and rescue team members who were caught in an avalanche Wednesday have been saved, but several died, said authorities.

The 25 team members had been searching for survivors from an earlier avalanche in eastern Turkey when they themselves were engulfed by snow. The number of casualties from the team is as yet unclear.

Mehmet Emin Bilmez, governor of the eastern Van province, told Anadolu Agency that intense search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and 15 ambulances were sent to the region.

The danger of avalanches continues, he added.

“Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) members were engulfed in an avalanche while looking for those trapped under snow this morning,” said Bilmez.

At least five people were killed in an avalanche in Van on Tuesday, with two people still missing.

Tuesday’s avalanche took place in the Van’s Bahcesaray district during bad weather and struck a minibus traveling the Van-Bahcesaray highway.

Ringed by gigantic mountains, Bahcesaray frequently faces harsh winter conditions.

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