An avalanche on a Himalayan peak in northeastern Nepal has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least seven climbers, comprising five foreign nationals and two local guides. The expedition agency Seven Summit Treks confirmed this heartbreaking news, revealing that the disaster struck near the base camp of Yalung Ri mountain in the Dolakha district.
The avalanche occurred at 9:00 AM local time on Monday, and search and rescue operations are still ongoing for the remaining members of the group, who are feared to be buried beneath the snow. Rescuers have successfully located two bodies, while eight others have been rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment in the capital, Kathmandu.
Details of the tragic incident
According to district police chief reports, the climbers were part of a group that had set out just over an hour before the avalanche hit. Mingma Sherpa, the chairman of Seven Summit Treks, noted that the bodies of the other five climbers are likely to be buried “10-15 feet below the snow.” He emphasized that it would take time to recover them.
The deceased include two Italians, one Canadian, one German, one French, and two Nepalis who worked as guides. Local deputy superintendent of police, Gyan Kumar Mahato, informed that a rescue helicopter managed to land in the Na Gaun area of Dolakha, which is a five-hour trek from the Yalung Ri base camp. One survivor recounted to The Kathmandu Post that the climbers had persistently called for help but received no assistance. “Had the rescue arrived on time, more lives could have been saved,” he lamented.
Challenges faced during rescue efforts
Mr. Mahato acknowledged that rescue operations were severely hindered by adverse weather conditions and logistical difficulties, making it challenging to deploy helicopters and reach the site on foot. The Kathmandu Post reported that the group was gearing up to ascend the nearby Dolma Khang peak, which stands at an elevation of 6,332 meters (20,774 feet), having planned the 5,630-meter Yalung Ri climb as part of their acclimatization process.
In a separate incident, officials confirmed the recovery of two Italian climbers who had gone missing while attempting to scale another mountain in Nepal. Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo were part of a three-man team that became stranded with three local guides on Panbari mountain in western Nepal last week. While the third member, Velter Perlino, age 65, and one sherpa managed to be rescued, the bodies of Farronato and Caputo were eventually retrieved and have been flown to Kathmandu.
Autumn is traditionally a favored season for trekkers and mountaineers in Nepal, as the weather and visibility tend to be more favorable. However, the risk of severe weather and avalanches remains a critical concern. Recently, Cyclone Montha has caused heavy rainfall and snowfall throughout Nepal, leaving many adventurers stranded in the Himalayas.
In another instance, two British nationals and one Irish woman were among a group rescued after being trapped for several days in the Mustang region, while severe weather conditions also left hundreds of hikers stranded near Mount Everest last month.