Twelve Hikers Stranded at Cotos Pass at Dusk
This Friday, a group of twelve people who ascended to Cotos Pass in the Sierra de Guadarrama was caught by nightfall without having secured a way to return. ❄️ Sub-zero temperatures and a yellow warning for snowfall immediately triggered an emergency rescue operation.
Mobilization of Emergency Teams
Members of Civil Protection and forest agents were deployed to locate the group. They found them and evacuated them in off-road vehicles to the municipality of Collado Villalba, a safe area where they could take public transportation to return home.
Factors that Complicated the Situation:- The arrival of night without a return plan.
- Extreme Weather Conditions, with thermometers below zero.
- The snowfall forecast active in the mountain area.
The authorities remind that it is not a suitable day to go to the mountains if return is not guaranteed in the face of the storm.
Warning about Dangers in the Mountains
The officials in charge of the operation emphasize the need to plan any hike in the mountains, especially when there are weather alerts. Ignoring these precautions can lead to situations that require mobilizing emergency resources. 🏔️
Key Recommendations for Hikers:- Accurately calculate the time the activity will take.
- Carry the appropriate equipment for the altitude and weather.
- Confirm that there is a safe means of transportation to return.
Final Reflection on Safety
Some people seem to confuse a trip to the mountains with a simple walk, forgetting that the mountainous environment does not forgive carelessness. This incident at Cotos Pass serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the mountains and their ever-changing conditions. 🧭