In brief
Rescue teams are combating adverse weather as they search for Alec Luhn, who has not been heard from since last Thursday in Norway's Folgefonna National Park.
American journalist Alec Luhn has been missing since Thursday, having last communicated with his wife before embarking on a solo hike in Folgefonna National Park, Norway. The 38-year-old, recognized for his reporting in various esteemed outlets such as The Guardian and Scientific American, was reported missing after failing to return from a planned backpacking trip. Rescue operations are currently hindered by severe weather, preventing aerial support and complicating ground efforts.Luhn's wife, Veronika Silchenko, shared that he texted his hiking itinerary before setting out but did not expect him to be out of contact for this long, citing poor cellphone service as a reason for her initial calm. Her worry escalated when he missed his return flight on Monday, prompting her to alert local authorities.Rescue teams, comprising trained dogs, drones, and experienced climbers, continued the search amid challenging conditions, including storms that have created difficult terrain and hindered visibility. Police Chief Oystein Torsnes conveyed that, with sunset around 10 p.m. local time, emergency workers plan to search until dark.In an emotional appeal, Silchenko conveyed her urgent desire for Luhn's safe return. Luhn, knowns for his adventurous reporting background, previously navigated challenging environments from oil fields in Texas to the Arctic, earning a reputation for resilience in tough situations. The search will persist as authorities hope for a breakthrough in locating the missing journalist.
