Rescuers in Nepal have recovered two bodies after an avalanche struck a group of climbers at the base camp of Himlung Himal in the Himalayas. The incident occurred on Sunday morning in the Manang district, where heavy snow swept through the camp, leaving around a dozen people still believed to be missing. The group, made up of Nepalese climbers and support staff, had been sent ahead of foreign climbers to prepare the camp, manage the route and fix ropes on the mountain.
According to local reports, at least eight members of one expedition team have been reported missing, although the exact number of people still unaccounted for remains unclear. Rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy snowfall and poor weather, with helicopters and rescue teams initially unable to reach the site. A team of experienced mountaineers was flown from Kathmandu to assist with the search.
Himlung Himal stands at 7,126 metres and is located near Nepal's border with Tibet. The mountain has been a popular destination for climbers in recent years, but the recent weather conditions have made it a challenging and treacherous climb. Nepal's mountain districts have experienced persistent rain and snowfall in recent days, creating dangerous conditions for climbers.
The latest incident comes after climbers were forced to leave Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain, earlier this week because of the risk of avalanches. The Nepalese government and rescue teams have been working to evacuate climbers and support staff from the affected areas, but the efforts have been hindered by the harsh weather conditions.
Rescue efforts are expected to continue on Monday, with a team of experienced mountaineers and rescue personnel working to locate the missing climbers. The operation is expected to be challenging, with thick snow and difficult conditions making it difficult for rescuers to reach the site. The Nepalese government has urged caution and is working to ensure the safety of all personnel involved.
The avalanche is a stark reminder of the risks faced by climbers in the Himalayas, particularly during the peak climbing season. Climbers and support staff are trained to deal with the risks, but the recent weather conditions have been particularly challenging. The incident has highlighted the need for caution and preparedness when climbing in the Himalayas.
The search and rescue operation is being led by the Nepalese government, with assistance from local authorities and experienced mountaineers. The government has expressed its condolences to the families of those affected and is working to ensure that all necessary support is provided to those involved.
Key points
- Around a dozen people are still believed to be missing after the avalanche.
- The avalanche occurred at the base camp of Himlung Himal in the Himalayas.
- Rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy snowfall and poor weather.
