RESCUERS in Nepal completed their search today for trekkers hit by devastating Himalayan blizzards, with 39 people confirmed dead.

Nine were added to the toll on Saturday after being spotted by a helicopter. They are thought to be porters at the Shanta pass area, at an altitude of 16,730 feet.

Rescue workers have brought about 400 people to safety from the Annapurna circuit, a route of more than 100 miles in central Nepal.

Officials said that other climbers had been making their way up the trail while workers were trying to close it off.

“Our rescuers and helicopters ended up having to bring down these new people while we were still trying to reach the ones who were stranded by the blizzard,” said Yama Bahadur Chokhyal.

“It was burdening and confusing the rescuers, so they had to be stopped.”

The route was deemed unsafe and invisible in many sections because of snow from the blizzard.