Alaska Blizzard: Four Children Now Being Treated For Hypothermia Following Overnight Entrapment

The four children who went missing Sunday afternoon during a snow machine ride in rural Alaska are now receiving appropriate treatment for severe hypothermia after they were found by responding authorities.

NBC affiliate KTUU reported that Emmonak-based Alaska State Troopers confirmed the children were found inside a shelter about 18 miles south of Nunam Iqua in rural Alaska. The missing children were discovered on the ground.

The kids were “cold, hungry and tired” when they were found by rescuers. Karen Camille, the mother of three of the rescued children, revealed that the kids were supposed to a take a short snow ride but after an hour, the weather changed.

As the wind blew harder, Camille and the family decided to alert the authorities. Along with the Emmonak-based Alaska State Troopers, the U.S. Coast Guard, Emmonak Search and Rescue, and Bethel Search and Rescue teams responded to assist in the widespread search that went on overnight.

According to FOX News, troopers said the extreme weather conditions made it complicated to implement quick and efficient search protocols.

While some people questioned how the children were led astray and far from the village with an estimate of 200 in population, weather and rescue experts noted that extreme conditions can take a toll on one’s sense of direction.

Of the four children, namely Trey Camille, Frank Johnson, 8, Christopher Johnson, 14, and Ethan Camille, 7, at least three were reported to have worn appropriate snow clothing.

Alaska has been enduring wind chills, and blizzards over the past couple of weeks. Late last month, the town of Huslina recorded a temperature-low of 49 degrees below zero, while Deadhorse posted wind chills of 65 degrees below zero.

CBS affiliate KTVA reported at that time that weather advisories pointed to dangerous wind chills causing frostbites and reducing visibility to extreme levels. Alaska residents have also been warned of potentially extreme blowing of both wind chill, wind, and snow.

Among the towns that received blizzard warnings over the past two weeks are Kodiak and the area around Thompson Pass. Yakutat, Skagway, and Haines, were also warned of heavy snowfall, with Skagway potentially posting as much as 2 feet of snow.

Anchorage, on the other hand, is expected to see warmer weather this week around the Anchorage Bowl despite temperatures in the area reaching lows previously.