Nepal: Two Bodies Found After Avalanche Hits Himalayan Base Camp
Rescuers Recover Two Bodies from Avalanche Site
Rescuers have recovered two bodies from the site of an avalanche that struck a climbing group camping in the Nepalese part of the Himalayas. Around a dozen people are still thought to be missing.
Avalanche Strikes Himlung Himal Peak
The avalanche struck Himlung Himal, a mountain popular with overseas climbers. The group, consisting of Nepalese nationals, had been sent ahead to prepare the camp and fix ropes. Forecasts showed heavy snowfall in recent days around the 7,126m (23,380ft) peak on the Nepal-Tibet border.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Poor Weather
Poor weather has hampered rescue efforts, with helicopters and teams initially unable to reach the site. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, of Himalaya Holidays Trekking, reported that at least eight members of his expedition team were missing. The exact number of climbers still unaccounted for remains unclear.
Rescue Team Rushes from Kathmandu
A rescue team consisting of experienced mountaineers was rushed from Kathmandu via helicopter. However, efforts are expected to continue on Monday due to thick snow and bad weather, according to local media.
Recent Weather and Avalanche Hazards
Nepal's mountain districts have seen persistent rain and snow in recent days, creating treacherous conditions for climbing tourism. Climbers were forced to leave Mount Manaslu due to rising avalanche threats.
Tragic Loss for Nepalese Climbers
The latest deaths of Nepalese climbers come after six lost their lives on Broad Peak in Pakistan earlier this year, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts on Nepal-Tibet Border
The avalanche follows a massive flood and landslide in August on the Nepal-Tibet border, where over 6,000 people are still missing. Extreme weather events have also affected other parts of Asia in the past week, including heavy rainfall and floods in India and a deadly typhoon in Japan.