Again, avalanches ruin China’s Xinjiang province’s winter paradise

Thursday, February 15, 2024

A series of avalanches has once again disrupted access to a secluded tourist destination in China’s westernmost Xinjiang region, prompting authorities to be on high alert for additional snowstorms expected throughout the week.

While efforts have partially reopened some routes with one-way traffic, many paths remain obstructed following the commencement of heavy snowfall on Sunday, which instigated avalanches near the Kanas scenic area in the Altay mountains, as reported by traffic police on Monday evening.

The management committee of the area has documented 13 avalanches affecting highways on Sunday and Monday in the region, which is situated in the northern prefecture of Altay, adjacent to Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. These avalanches varied significantly in size, with the deepest measuring 5 meters and the widest extending across 1 kilometer, yet no casualties or vehicular damage have been reported.

Officials have committed to providing continual updates on weather and road conditions via social media platforms of the committee and traffic police. The statement from the committee highlighted the ongoing snowfall within the Kanas scenic area and emphasized the extremely high risk of further avalanches, ensuring continuous traffic regulation to safeguard all road sections within the vicinity.

The extreme weather conditions are anticipated to persist in the scenic area until the following week, with an additional snowfall of 35cm to 45cm expected from Wednesday to Friday, accompanied by strong winds, and temperatures forecasted to plummet to around minus 40 degrees Celsius from Thursday to Sunday.

The National Meteorological Centre has called on authorities in northern Xinjiang to implement safety measures in anticipation of the severe weather, advising enhanced traffic safety management and vigilance against natural disasters such as avalanches.

Last month, avalanches left residents and over a thousand tourists stranded in a village for 10 days after blocking the road to the Kanas scenic area following prolonged heavy snowfall. The current severity of the avalanches remains uncertain, with reports of vehicles queuing to descend the mountain and traffic police distributing free food, although ascent to the mountain is still restricted.

Amidst the Lunar New Year holiday, a peak travel time, Xinjiang’s Altay region stands out as a favored destination for winter tourism. The state broadcaster CCTV highlighted tourism activities in the region, including unique winter sports and cultural events, showcasing the area’s appeal despite the challenges posed by nature.

This recurring natural phenomenon not only affects the immediate safety and accessibility of the region but also poses significant implications for tourism, potentially deterring visitors during what is typically a bustling holiday period. The resilience and response of the local authorities in managing such crises are crucial in maintaining Xinjiang as a desirable destination for tourists seeking the unique experiences it offers, even in the face of extreme weather events.

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