The search for missing hikers and bodies buried in snow resumed in central Nepal on Thursday after an avalanche killed scores of trekkers this week.

Crews rescued nine stranded Israeli tourists while three Canadians and four Indians were also pulled to safety, according to the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal.

The trekkers' group said it deployed helicopters to rescue hikers stranded by snow, floodwaters and avalanches along the popular Himalayan trekking trails.

At least 17 people were killed Tuesday when the snowstorm first struck.

Five more bodies -- two Israelis, one Pole and two Nepalis -- were found buried in the snow Thursday, said Baburam Bhandari,chief district officer of Mustang district.

Officials did not provide a number on the people missing, but they say they fear the death toll could rise.

Tens of thousands of international visitors come to Nepal each year to explore the spectacular Himalayan Mountains, providing poor local communities with millions of dollars.

Trekkers spend the night at local camps before they set out at 4 a.m., said Bidur Kuikel of Annapurna Conservation Area project.

"On Tuesday heavy snowfall began at about 8 a.m.," he said. "There was no visibility."

Since the tracks were covered by snow, others may have fallen down

A dozen of the deaths Tuesday were in the popular Annapurna region, the army said, while another five were in the neighboring Manang district.

This is one of the deadliest such tragedies in Nepal, a nation of about 26 million known for its spectacular mountain ranges, including Mount Everest.

Last year, 102,000 foreigners came to Nepal to take part in mountaineering, the vast majority of them trekkers.

The Annapurna region is the most popular trekking area in the country and attracts many visitors.

"So many trekkers could not be missing. They may have rested on the way or they may yet to register after after crossing over," said Narendra Lama, a local tourism officer. "There may still be some missing."

(CNN)