Chile snowstorm survivor's 'anger' over response

Australian Robyn Lewis is part of a group calling for changes following the response to a snowstorm which killed five people in Patagonia

A survivor of a deadly snowstorm in Patagonia says there is "anger" over the speed of the response.

Robyn Lewis was caught up in the storm in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park on 17 November which led to the deaths of five people, including Victoria Bond from Cornwall.

Ms Lewis, from Australia, is among more than 50 survivors demanding changes from Chile's government, the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), travel agency Vertice and Las Torres hotel, who had all been criticised over their slow response.

Las Torres and Vertice said they were co-operating with authorities over the incident. The BBC has approached the government and Conaf for comment.

Speaking in neighbouring Argentina, Ms Lewis told the BBC the survivors felt the authorities could have done more before the storm hit to protect hikers.

She said in the build-up to the stormy conditions arriving, the hikers were not given advice to stay away from the park despite the forecast looking poor.

"The staff don't have a crystal ball which can forecast an unforeseen snowstorm, but I do think they should have given a realistic assessment of what the conditions would have been like given the weather forecast," Ms Lewis said.

Cornwall's Victoria Bond was among five people who died during a snowstorm in Chile

She added the camaraderie shown by the walkers had been an "amazing display of humanity" as they attempted to rescue others following a "very slow response" from the authorities.

"I think the general mood amongst the collective group is one of anger," she said.

"There's a lot of sadness and I feel like I'm constantly thinking about the lives that were lost and the families of those people as well."

Ms Lewis said: "The fact that it happened is awful, but honestly I think one of the worst parts for me is dealing with the response by staff and the powers that be.

"I found that to be really upsetting the lack of care demonstrated."

'Actively co-operating'

A spokesperson for Las Torres said the company was "deeply saddened by the tragic events".

"The safety and wellbeing of visitors to Torres del Paine National Park has always been our priority and we remain in close coordination with the authorities and other stakeholders as they carry out their review of the incident and corresponding safety protocols," they said.

Vertice said it understood the distress hikers caught up in the storm were feeling.

The firm added it does not manage trails in the park and was not responsible for guiding or organising hikers.

"On the day of the events, most tourists went on a self-managed hike, not offered or operated by Vertice," a spokesperson said.

"We are actively co-operating with the authorities and the investigation, as we have done from the very beginning."

The spokesperson added Vertice staff contacted the authorities as soon as they became aware of the events unfolding in the park.

"We also assisted the authorities in identifying missing persons and provided logistical support to rescue teams using our vehicles and boat," they said.

"We facilitated communication between authorities and families from our facilities and offered emotional support and care to hikers.

"Additionally, we provided shelter, food, and lodging for everyone in the refuges and campgrounds."