Search for mountaineer in Bariloche suspended after avalanche on Cerro López.

The authorities in Bariloche have temporarily suspended the search efforts for the mountaineer missing on Cerro López, where an avalanche swept through a group of hikers last Wednesday. According to information provided by Martín Roffo, head of the Rescue Commission of the Andean Club in the city, the resumption of operations will largely depend on the weather conditions, which are expected to be challenging in the coming hours. The tragic accident occurred on a day already marked by adverse conditions, which has led rescuers to operate with a high degree of caution. Roffo emphasized that the risk of further avalanches in the area is extremely high, forcing authorities to prioritize the safety of the rescuers. "There is a protocol that determines how much risk can be taken," he explained, highlighting the responsibility that falls on rescue teams in situations like this. The avalanche resulted in the death of an Irish tourist and left one survivor who was found with hypothermia but could not provide relevant information about his companions due to his condition. The survivor was successfully evacuated, but his accounts of the incident are limited. So far, the whereabouts of the third mountaineer remain unknown, increasing urgency and concern in the local community. On Thursday morning, authorities are expected to provide a report on the weather conditions in the region to make a decision about resuming the search efforts. However, the Interjurisdictional Basin Authority (AIC) has already warned of the possibility of new snowfall that could further complicate rescue operations. "This is a very complicated search. The forecast is not the most favorable," lamented Roffo, who reaffirmed that the chances of finding the missing person alive are "low." However, the rescuer clung to the idea that "hope is the last thing to lose," a sentiment that resonates among the friends and family of those involved. Cerro López is located 2,075 meters above sea level and is part of the Circuito Chico, a popular mountaineering route that attracts adventurers from various places. The group involved in this tragedy was participating in a backcountry skiing expedition, an activity that, while exciting, carries inherent risks that must be considered, especially in bad weather conditions. Authorities have reiterated the importance of following safety recommendations and being attentive to weather conditions before embarking on mountain excursions. The tragedy that has struck this community serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the mountains and the need for a responsible approach to mountaineering. Meanwhile, the Bariloche community has rallied in solidarity with the families of those involved, offering emotional and logistical support in these distressing times. The search for the missing mountaineer remains a priority, and authorities are committed to carrying out rescue operations as soon as conditions allow. In summary, the situation is uncertain, and the future of the search operations will largely depend on climatic factors that are difficult to predict. Hope persists, but so does the reality that the mountains can be unforgiving, demanding respect and preparation from those who venture into their territory.