Elderly Woman Perishes at Avach Pass
In the chilly expanse of Kamchatka Krai, an unfortunate incident unfolded at the Avachinsky pass last week. An elderly woman was taken to the pass by her son on a snowmobile, but unfortunately, by the time rescuers arrived, she had passed away.
The day of the incident was marked by good weather, making the route from the 30th kilometer of the federal highway to the Avachinsky pass, following the Dry River, a relatively easy journey, usually taking an hour on a snowmobile. However, many vacationers also arrived at the pass on snowmobiles, adding to the bustling scene.
Six individuals found themselves in a difficult situation at the Koryak Pass, a neighbouring location, that same evening. The exact reason for their predicament remains unclear, but it's worth noting that unprepared individuals may face difficulties due to the sudden increase in altitude (up to 700 meters above sea level) and wind that intensifies in the narrow passage between the volcanoes, known as the "tube".
When news of the stranded individuals reached the authorities, rescuers from the KGKU "Center for Ensuring Actions" (COD) were called to assist. The organization that conducted the rescue operation was the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM). The weather conditions during the rescue operation at the Koryak Pass are not specified, but given its proximity to the Avachinsky pass, they may have been similar.
Rescuers set out on two snowmobiles with sleds to help the stranded individuals, but the outcome of the operation is not known at this time. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared when venturing into the rugged terrain of Kamchatka Krai.