Two British trekkers have been missing in the Italian Alps since January 1. Fog, snow, and landslides complicate rescues.
1. Rescue teams face harsh weather and landslides in the Adamello range.
2. The last time Aziz Ziriat and Sam Harris were seen was on January 1.
What Did the British Hikers Do in the Italian Alps?
Three British walkers, Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Sam Harris, 35, have not been seen since January 1 in the Italian Alps near Trento.
The two, who are known for their love of off-grid adventures, went on a walk on New Year’s Day with the goal of going through mountain huts in the Adamello range.
But no one knew they were missing until January 6, when they didn’t show up for a planned flight home, which made their family call the police.
Why Did the Alert Come Late?
Hikers who like to travel off-grid made it take longer to report their absence. Joe Stone, Ziriat’s college friend, said, “It wasn’t a surprise that they didn’t have a signal because they like being off the grid.”
Because they couldn’t talk to anyone, relief efforts didn’t start until five days after they were last seen.
What problems do rescuers have to deal with?
Rescue teams have had to deal with bad weather like thick fog, heavy snowfall, and high landslide risks. On January 7, a helicopter tried to fly over but had to turn around because it was too cloudy to see.
Avalanche risk made it impossible for ground workers to move forward in the Adamello range, which includes Mt. Adamello, the highest peak at 3,539 meters.
How do you know Aziz Ziriat and Sam Harris?
Both hikers are expert adventurers who have been on difficult terrains before. As part of their plan, they were going to move between mountain huts, which is something that experienced walkers often do.
Friends and family say they are well-prepared, but they know that mountain weather can change quickly.
Why is the Adamello Range so dangerous?
The Adamello mountain range is known for its rough scenery and harsh weather. It lies between Italy’s Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige regions.
Even for skilled walkers, it’s hard to get around because of the high elevation, frequent rain, and sudden fog. Winter is a very dangerous time for avalanches because they are more likely to happen.
How are the rescue teams working together?
The Alpine rescue service in Italy is in charge of the operation, which also includes fire relief teams. Even though high-tech tools like drones and thermal images have been used, the weather has made work very difficult.
To help with the search, international help is being thought about, including possible help from British officials.
What do we know about this event?
This terrible event shows how important it is to be safe when hiking in the winter. Always have a way to communicate with others, check the weather, and let people know what your plans are. In harsh settings, even expert walkers can run into problems they didn’t expect.
What SQ & Aikers Should Know Before Hiking in the Winter?
- Check Weather Forecasts: Always know what’s going to happen.
- Carry Emergency Gear: Bring a first-aid kit, warm blankets, and a GPS with you.
- Avalanche Awareness: Learn to spot dangerous places and stay away from them.
- Inform Others: Tell someone you trust your route and when you expect to get back.
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