KATHMANDU, Jan 19: Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) on Sunday urged the government to initiate search and rescue operations in the Annapurna region to find out the whereabouts of four South Koreans and three Nepali guides following Friday's avalanche in the region.

In a press release, TAAN urged the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, District Administration Office Kaski, Annapurna rural municipality and Nepal Police to launch search operation as soon as possible. The organization also expressed sadness over the incident.

The TAAN also urged the families and relatives of missing foreigners and guides to stay positive as the search operation is underway.

Meanwhile, the government officials said that it may take at least 15 days to rescue missing trekkers citing bad weather in the Annapurna region.

See related stories: 
> Chinese, South Koreans go missing as avalanche hits popular Annapurna trekking route
> 7 trekkers including four SKoreans still missing in avalanche: Police
> 4 SKoreans, 3 Nepal guides missing in avalanche; 30 rescued

 
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