We observe the wrath of nature in this list of the 11 countries with most avalanches in the world. Avalanches can be one of the most devastating events that can happen on a snowy mountainous terrain. They show us how fragile we are against commanding movements of the environment around us. An avalanche can happen at any time and can be due to different factors. The snow might become unstable causing a chain reaction which then creates an avalanche. Loud sounds, human movements, and weather can be a cause for avalanches.
Avalanches can be a crushing weight of snow and ice. People rarely survive these types of encounters. Those that do have to endure as they may be trapped under snow waiting for rescue. If a person happens to get into this situation he/she has to endure possible injuries and avoid hypothermia. It’s a good thing avalanches don’t often happen in places where people frequent, like the Top 10 Ski Resorts in the United States – 2014 List.
There have been a number of recorded avalanches that cost the lives of hundreds and even thousands of people. Let’s move on to the first country in this list:
11. Peru
A good portion of the villages and cities in Peru are situated near the Andes Mountains. Because the area around Peru is also susceptible to earthquakes, avalanches are as common as the tremors in the area. One of the most devastating avalanches experienced here was during 1962. An earthquake triggered a deadly avalanche that wiped out towns and killed 4000 people.
10. Argentina
Argentina also has a few mountains and ranges that many climbers and extreme sports enthusiasts frequent. Ironically one of the main triggers for the avalanches is the presence of humans themselves. Any small thing can trigger an avalanche. Many enthusiasts have died because of it.
9. United States
Avalanches are also common in the United States. Around 1-2 avalanches are reported in a month. The victims are mostly skiers, snowboarders, snowmobile riders or mountaineers. The frequency is also due to the many mountains you can visit around the country.
8. Italy
Italy is home to the Swiss Alps and the isountain range is known to be very deadly for skiers. It even has a spot known as Death Valley which stays true to its name. The area has seen its share of fatalities as avalanches can come unexpectedly.
7. Canada
Most of Canada has snowy terrain and high mountain ranges for people to climb or do extreme sports at. The frequency of these avalanches can come at any time which is why there are organisations that forecast and monitor these places.
6. Afghanistan
Afghanistan is truly a land of extremes as it supports both warm and cold environments. Fatalities can soar high in the wake of avalanches as some villages and towns are situated under the mountains. The weather snows a lot in those areas and mountains are usually thick with snow.
More reported dislodgements as we continue this list of 11 countries with most avalanches in the world.
5. Slovakia
Avalanches frequent a number of areas in Slovakia. Some of their roads pass at the foot of mountains so it’s not unusual to encounter blocked roads due to avalanches. Even people have been reported to have been buried under the snow while in cars or houses near the mountains.
4. Austria
Snowy weather can also increase the chance of avalanches. For a few towns and ski resorts in Austria, they sometimes experience being cut-off from others due to blizzards and avalanches. Some ski resorts and tourists have also been known as victims from unprecedented avalanches.
3. France
Seasons for skiing can also mean seasons for danger in the French Alps. Each year people are found dead due to the harsh weather and avalanches.
2. Nepal
Nepal is home to a lot of snowy mountains and also the largest mountain on earth, Mount Everest. A month ago a very strong earthquake hit the area causing Mt Everest to avalanche. Around 300 people are said to be dead and bodies cannot be recovered because of the difficult environment. A lot of bodies around the area often remain frozen in time after death. The mountain becomes their grave.
1. Iceland
Avalanches have always been a recurring problem in Iceland. Especially since a majority of their country is covered with thick snow. Avalanches are known to cause annual injuries, fatalities and damage to properties. Avalanches have known to have cost the government over 3.3 billion dollars over the years.
That is the list of the 11 countries with most avalanches in the world. If you are an extreme sports enthusiast or a mountaineer, always be careful as one can never hold back the ferocity of an avalanche.
