Avalanche Strikes Himalayan Base Camp
Rescuers have recovered two bodies following an avalanche that hit a climbing group camping in the Nepalese Himalayas. The snow slide struck the base camp of the Himlung Himal peak in the Manang district on Sunday morning. Approximately a dozen individuals remain thought to be missing.
The affected group consisted of Nepalese nationals, including both climbers and support staff, who had traveled ahead of foreign climbers to set up the camp and fix ropes on the mountain. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, representing Himalaya Holidays Trekking, reported to the AFP news agency that at least eight members from his expedition team were missing. The precise total of unaccounted-for climbers continues to be unclear, with rescue operations searching for at least 10 Nepalese individuals who were preparing the route.
Weather Complicates Rescue Operations
Recent heavy snowfall around the 7,126-meter (23,380-foot) peak, which is situated on the border between Nepal and Tibet, preceded the disaster. Mountain districts in Nepal have experienced persistent rain and snow recently, generating hazardous conditions for the climbing tourism sector. Earlier in the week, climbers evacuated Mount Manaslu due to escalating avalanche threats.
Adverse weather has hindered rescue responses, preventing helicopters and rescue teams from accessing the site immediately. A rescue team comprising experienced mountaineers was dispatched via helicopter from Kathmandu, with search efforts anticipated to persist into Monday owing to thick snow and poor weather conditions.