Concern over whereabouts of NZers after avalanche

Rescue team members carry a victim of an avalanche before they airlift the body from Thorong La pass area, in Nepal. Photo / AP

The search continues for people caught in a blizzard and deadly avalanche in Nepal this week, and concerns remain for New Zealanders in the area.

At least 21 people, including guides, herders and foreign tourists, are dead after the catastrophe near Annapurna. The storm hit home for New Zealander Ann Young, an adventurer who was in the Himalayas with her company Trekking Adventures.

"I lost one of my porters on an avalanche on Everest last April so it's all very real to me," she said yesterday.

Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFat) said no Kiwis were missing, Ms Young could not rule out if other New Zealanders were stranded.

Several New Zealanders contacted the Herald with concerns about the wellbeing of loved ones who'd been trekking the Annapurna Circuit.

One was still unsure last night if a Kiwi relative was safe.

"Foreign Affairs, I don't know if they're aware of my people here," Ms Young said.

"They haven't contacted me, and as far as other people go, other New Zealanders, I don't know."

Ms Young said it was taking a long time for information to filter through to Kathmandu, where she was currently based.

She said a group earlier stuck near Annapurna, including a New Zealander, faced a lengthy ordeal getting to safety.

"It was horrendous for them to get out ... instead of a 30-minute flight it was a 30-hour Jeep ride."

Ms Young understood bodies were visible from the air but the avalanche-affected area was too unstable for rescue operations.

She said only two months ago an avalanche killed 50 people, all Nepalis. She advised New Zealanders to avoid Annapurna but said Kathmandu was safe.

New Zealand's honorary consul in Nepal said there was no indication of any Kiwis caught up in the avalanche.

MFat said the honorary consul was keeping in touch with local rescue teams.

The ministry said there were 78 New Zealanders registered with MFat as being in Nepal.