In brief
A tragic avalanche on Yalung Ri mountain in Nepal has resulted in the deaths of three climbers, including a French national. Rescue operations are currently underway for four others, including two Italians, a German, and a Canadian who are feared missing. The incident occurred near the base camp and has prompted concerns regarding the safety of climbers as severe weather conditions persist in the region.
At least three climbers, including a French national and two Nepalese individuals, have died after an avalanche struck a Himalayan peak in north-eastern Nepal, according to police reports.
The avalanche occurred at 09:00 local time (03:15 GMT) near the base camp of the Yalung Ri mountain located in Dolakha district.
Rescue teams are currently searching for four additional climbers - two from Italy, one from Germany, and one from Canada - who are feared to be missing. These climbers were part of a larger group of twelve trekkers and local guides who had departed just over an hour before the avalanche hit, as confirmed by the local district police chief.
Five Nepali guides who managed to return to base camp sustained injuries but were reported to be in stable condition.
Local police deputy superintendent Gyan Kumar Mahato stated, Three bodies have been observed, and search and rescue teams are tasked with locating four more missing individuals. The identities of the other two deceased are not yet confirmed in terms of their association with the group.
Rescue operations face challenges due to poor weather and logistical difficulties. A helicopter has landed in the Na Gaun area of Dolakha, about a five-hour trek from the Yalung Ri base camp.
Additionally, efforts continue to locate two Italian climbers who went missing while attempting to summit Panbari mountain in western Nepal. Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo were among a group that became stranded last week; however, a third climber, Velter Perlino, has been rescued.
Autumn is a popular season for trekking and climbing in Nepal due to generally better weather, but risks associated with severe weather and avalanche conditions remain. Recent impacts from Cyclone Montha have resulted in heavy rainfall and snowfall across various regions of Nepal, stranding numerous adventurers in the mountains.
Last week, several climbers, including two British and one Irish woman, were rescued after being trapped in the Mustang region. The extreme weather has also delayed rescue efforts for hundreds of hikers stranded near Mount Everest.
