Nepal: Ten climbers missing after avalanche hits Himalayan base camp
BBC News
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Avalanche strikes Himlung Himal mountain
At least 10 Nepali climbers who were preparing to lead an expedition are missing after an avalanche hit a base camp in the Himalayas on Sunday.
The climb's organizers reported that local guides were at a staging point near the Himlung Himal peak in Manang district when the avalanche struck around 7,126 meters (23,380 feet) high.
Recent heavy snowfall was forecast around this area bordering Tibet. Poor weather has hindered rescue efforts with helicopters and teams unable to reach the site.
Bibhuti Chand Thakur, of Himalaya Holidays Trekking, told AFP: "Eight members of our expedition team and two more from another company have been reported missing."
The Nepali team had been sent ahead to prepare the camp, manage the route, and fix ropes on the mountain for foreign climbers.
Recent treacherous conditions
Nepal's mountain districts have seen persistent rain and snow in recent days, creating challenging conditions for climbing tourism - a vital economic sector. Climbers were forced to abandon Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak globally, earlier this week due to rising avalanche risks.
Recent tragic losses
This latest incident follows the deaths of six Nepali climbers on Broad Peak in Pakistan just two months ago, including renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja.
It also comes as recovery efforts continue on the Nepal-Tibet border where over 6,000 people remain missing after a massive flood and landslide in August killed more than 1,400 people.