An avalanche struck a mountaineering camp on Mount Yalung Ri in eastern Nepal on Monday, killing seven people, including five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides, officials said.
According to Armed Police Force spokesperson Shailendra Thapa, five others were injured in the incident, which occurred at the base camp located around 4,900 meters (16,070 feet) above sea level.
“The rescue operation is underway, but teams are moving on foot due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions,” Thapa told AFP.
Victims yet to be identified
Authorities said the nationalities and identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed. Local police, along with mountaineering rescue units, are attempting to retrieve the bodies and bring the injured climbers to safety.
Difficult rescue operation
Heavy snow and unstable weather have made it difficult for helicopters to reach the site. “The location is remote and conditions are harsh. Rescue teams are trekking towards the camp,” an official said.
About Mount Yalung Ri
Mount Yalung Ri, which rises to an elevation of 5,630 meters (18,370 feet), is located in eastern Nepal near the border with Tibet. It is a popular peak for mid-level mountaineers seeking to acclimatize before attempting higher Himalayan summits.
Nepal’s recurring mountain tragedies
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, often witnesses fatal avalanches and climbing accidents, particularly during the autumn and spring seasons when climbing activity peaks.
In recent years, changing weather patterns and unpredictable snow conditions have made Himalayan expeditions increasingly risky, experts say.