At least three climbers, including a French national and two Nepalese individuals, have tragically lost their lives following an avalanche on a Himalayan peak in north-eastern Nepal, according to local police.
The avalanche struck around 09:00 local time (03:15 GMT) on Monday, near the base camp of Yalung Ri mountain located in Dolakha district.
Reports indicate that four additional climbers - two Italians, a German, and a Canadian - are feared dead. They were part of a larger group of 12 trekkers and local guides who had set out just over an hour before the avalanche hit, as confirmed by the district police chief.
Meanwhile, five Nepali guides who managed to return to the base camp sustained injuries but are not in critical condition.
Local deputy superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato told reporters, Three bodies have been seen, and rescue teams need to locate four more. It is unclear whether the confirmed dead Nepali individuals were part of the climbing group or were guides.
A rescue helicopter successfully landed in the Na Gaun area of Dolakha, which is about a five-hour trek from the Yalung Ri base camp. However, search efforts are being hindered due to adverse weather and logistical challenges.
In a separate incident, efforts are ongoing to rescue two Italian climbers who went missing while attempting to ascend Panbari mountain in western Nepal. Their group became stranded last week, although one member has since been rescued.
Autumn is typically a popular season for trekkers in Nepal due to generally favorable weather conditions. Yet, the risk of severe weather events and avalanches persists, particularly after Cyclone Montha brought heavy snowfall and rain, leading to increased hazards across the region.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by climbers in the Himalayas, recently underscored by multiple rescue operations necessitated by adverse conditions.
