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Masses of snow, a person wrapped in a yellow emergency blanket and two rescuers fighting for their survival: this photo was posted on Facebook by the Kosovo Mountain Search and Rescue Service (ShKShMK) on Monday. It is said that two Swiss tourists were hit by an avalanche later on Sunday evening in the Albanian community of Çaje in the Kukës region, near the border with Kosovo.
When asked by Blick, ShKShMK spokesperson Kushtrim Susuri said those affected were a Swiss couple. “The two were then flown by KFOR helicopter to the trauma hospital in Tirana. They probably suffered from hypothermia and fractures cannot be ruled out.” However, the condition of those affected is stable.
Action lasted 15 hours
According to the ShKShMK, the rescue operation was very difficult and lasted until late afternoon on Monday: “A ShKShMK team is engaged in a complicated and risky search and rescue operation near the village of Çajë in the area of Kukës, Albania.” The reason for the avalanche is said to have been the heavy snowfall in recent days.
It goes on to say: “The risk, unsuitable area and logistics made the operation more difficult.” As Susuri Blick further reports, the rescue operation lasted 15 hours. In addition to the ShKShMK, other auxiliary forces were also deployed, including the Albanian Mountain Rescue Service.
Limb injuries
Albanian Interior Minister Taulant Balla visited the two tourists at the trauma hospital in Tirana. He writes on Facebook: “Like in the house and in the faith of the Albanians. The rescue of two Swiss tourists was successful.” The politician alludes to the fact that you can rely on the Albanians.
One victim suffered injuries to his lower extremities as a result of the avalanche, Balla said. “Thanks go to the State Police, the Kosovo Police, the Kosovo Mountaineering Association, the Ministry of Defense and KFOR. Without their efforts, this rescue operation would not have been possible.”
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
