A devastating avalanche has struck Nepal's Himlung peak, a 7,126-metre mountain near the Chinese border, resulting in the deaths of two guides and leaving 14 expedition workers missing. The disaster occurred early on Sunday, with the avalanche sweeping through the base camp and burying tents under deep snow. Rescuers worked tirelessly until 6:00 pm on Sunday, discovering two bodies, and the search continues for the missing workers.
According to Tul Singh Gurung, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, a team of eight mountain guides is involved in the search operation. The challenging weather conditions have hampered their efforts, with mountaineer Mingma G Sherpa, leading the rescue team, stating that they could have saved lives if not for the bad weather. The deceased were both guides, while the 14 missing were kitchen staff working at the expedition camp.
Initially, organisers reported that at least 10 people were missing, but the number has been confirmed to be 14. The search operation is ongoing, with rescuers battling against the harsh weather conditions. Nepal has been hit by a series of natural disasters in recent weeks, including a devastating glacial flood on August 26 that killed over 1,400 people and left over 6,000 missing.
The Himalayan nation is still rebuilding from the aftermath of the glacial flood, and the recent heavy rain has triggered other floods and landslides, resulting in at least 21 deaths, according to the national disaster agency. Nepal relies heavily on mountaineering and trekking tourism, with the country being home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks.
The avalanche at Himlung peak is a significant blow to the tourism industry, which is a major contributor to Nepal's economy. The government and local authorities are working to provide support to the families of the affected individuals and to coordinate the search operation. The incident highlights the risks associated with mountaineering and trekking in the Himalayas.
The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association and other local organisations are working closely with the government to provide assistance to the affected families. The search operation is expected to continue for several more days, with rescuers facing significant challenges due to the harsh weather conditions. The incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place for trekkers and mountaineers in Nepal.
As the search operation continues, the Nepalese government is urging tourists to exercise caution when engaging in mountaineering and trekking activities in the country. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety measures in the Himalayas, where natural disasters can occur unexpectedly. The government has promised to investigate the incident and take necessary measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
Key points
- Two guides have been killed and 14 expedition workers are missing after an avalanche at Nepal's Himlung peak.
- The search operation is ongoing, with rescuers facing challenging weather conditions.
- Nepal has been hit by a series of natural disasters in recent weeks, including a devastating glacial flood and floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain.
