"Tourists Trapped in Xinjiang After Avalanches"

Around 1,000 tourists are trapped in China's Xinjiang region after avalanches cut off road access to the remote Hemu village, with heavy snow and fickle weather hindering evacuation efforts. Dozens of avalanches triggered by continuous snowfall have blocked highways, reaching heights of up to seven meters and rendering snow clearing equipment ineffective. Rescue and snow removal work are further complicated by rocks, debris, and tree branches mixed in the snow, with narrow windows for supply missions due to rapidly changing weather. Authorities have organized personnel and machinery for the ongoing rescue and relief efforts, expecting the snow clearing work to continue for some time.