Kurdistan civil defense rescues 5 students lost on Mount Korek

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Civil defense workers in the Kurdistan Region's province of Erbil located and rescued five youths late Friday who had gotten lost while attempting a hike to the top of a popular snow-covered peak.

"After we were alerted of the incident, our teams arrived at the location and after two hours, were able to rescue the civilians," Brig. Gen. Emad Rekani, Director of Soran Civil Defense Team, said in a statement.

Soran is a district in Erbil Province and where Korek Mountain is located. The resort area, along with Bekhal waterfall, is among the most well-traveled tourist attractions in the Kurdistan Region year round.

The five male youths are reported to be university students, but could not be immediately contacted for further details or comment.

Speaking with Kurdistan 24, Rekani said that the group had gone to Bekhal and hoped to get to the top of Mount Korek using an aerial cable car transportation system at the site.

"They even bought tickets," he explained. Upon seeing the long line of people, all of whom had come to the resort area for the same purpose of getting to the top of the mountain, the students "agreed to take the journey on foot," believing the distance to be well within their capabilities.

The cable car makes a nearly 15-minute trip to get to the top of Korek. On foot, however, the journey is formidable, with current levels of snow adding to the difficulty of walking and navigating the terrain.

Mid-way through, seeing no end to their adventure and tired from the trek, the five students decided to make their way back, said the official. Unfortunately, they found they were hopelessly lost and off-track.

They later called for aid from defense teams, which were able to locate the youths only after hours of searching. All were promptly transported to the nearest health care facility, with one appearing to team members to be in serious condition.

A resident doctor in Rawandwz hospital told Kurdistan 24 that all five were treated and were permitted to return home. 

Editing by John J. Catherine