In brief
An avalanche near Yalung Ri mountain in Nepal has resulted in the deaths of at least three climbers—a French national and two Nepalese. Four others are reported missing, prompting search efforts that face challenges from poor weather conditions. Authorities continue to work towards locating the remaining members of the climbing group, which included multiple nationalities.
At least three climbers, including a French national and two Nepalese individuals, have died after being struck by an avalanche on a Himalayan peak in north-eastern Nepal, police state. The incident took place at approximately 09:00 local time (03:15 GMT) on Monday near the Yalung Ri mountain base camp in the Dolakha district. In addition, four climbers—two Italians, a German, and a Canadian—are feared to be dead, though search efforts are ongoing. The deceased and missing were part of a group of 12 trekkers and local guides who set out just over an hour before the avalanche struck, according to the local police chief.Five Nepali guides who returned to the base camp sustained injuries but are not in critical condition. Three bodies have been recovered; search teams are working to locate four more, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato when interviewed by the BBC. It remains uncertain whether the other confirmed fatalities, which are both Nepalese, were associated with the climbing group or were independent climbers.Rescue operations have faced difficulties attributed to adverse weather conditions and logistical challenges. A helicopter rescue operation managed to reach the Na Gaun area of Dolakha, approximately a five-hour trek from Yelung Ri's base camp.In separate news, attempts to rescue two missing Italian climbers from a different expedition on the Panbari mountain in western Nepal are also in progress. The climbers, Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo, went missing alongside three local guides while attempting to reach summit last week. Media reports indicate that a third group member, Velter Perlino, aged 65, was rescued.The autumn season in Nepal is typically favored by trekkers and climbers due to generally favorable visibility and weather. However, the region remains susceptible to severe weather phenomena and avalanches. Recently, Cyclone Montha caused heavy precipitation and snow across Nepal, resulting in stranded adventurers in the Himalayas. Rescue operations last week also included British and Irish nationals who were trapped for several days in the western Mustang region, as well as additional rescue measures for hikers near Mount Everest.
