Overview

• Approximately 1,000 tourists are stranded in the remote holiday village of Hemu in China's northwestern Xinjiang region due to avalanches blocking road access.
• Heavy snowfall, reaching up to 23 feet in some areas, has triggered dozens of avalanches, making evacuation efforts challenging.
• Rescue operations have included airlifting injured individuals and flying in necessary supplies such as food and fuel.
• Despite the challenging conditions, rescuers have managed to clear a snow-blocked road linking Hemu village to major roads, allowing vehicles to enter and tourists to drive themselves out.
• The situation remains precarious with the forecast of continued extreme weather, and the Kanas scenic area, where Hemu village is located, will be closed until at least January 20.