Happy rescue after 24 hours in snow trap

15 Jan, 2008 20:57 / Updated 16 years ago

Rescuers have found a minibus trapped by a strong blizzard in the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East. The ten passengers and two drivers aboard are reported to be fine even though they spent nearly 24 hours in a snow trap.

The whole peninsula has been paralysed by the extreme snowfall and winds exceeding 40 meters per second. Local authorities are strongly urging people not to leave their homes. Waves up to ten metres high have been reported in the Bering Sea and all vessels are being prevented from leaving port. Extremely low temperatures of up to 45 degrees below zero are also expected to hit Russia's Siberian regions on Wednesday.