Four Bodies Recovered After Avalanche Hits Nepal’s Himlung Himal Base Camp

KATHMANDU: Rescue teams in Nepal have recovered four bodies from the site of a major avalanche that struck a climbing group’s base camp in the Himalayas, while around a dozen people are still reported missing.

The avalanche hit the Himlung Himal base camp in Manang district on Sunday morning after heavy snowfall in the area. The mountain rises to about 7,126 metres (23,380 feet) near Nepal’s border with Tibet.

The affected group consisted of Nepalese climbers and support workers who had travelled ahead of foreign mountaineers to prepare the camp and establish climbing routes.

Difficult Rescue Operation

Severe weather has complicated the rescue effort. Heavy snow, freezing temperatures and unstable conditions initially prevented helicopters and rescue teams from reaching the affected area.

A specialist rescue team made up of experienced mountaineers was sent from Kathmandu by helicopter to search for survivors.

Two bodies were located on Sunday, followed by the discovery of two more on Monday, according to the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association.

The association said the rescue team climbed toward the affected area hoping to find survivors but faced extremely difficult conditions.

More People Remain Missing

According to reports from the expedition organisers, at least eight members of one expedition team were initially reported missing. Rescue officials have indicated that approximately 12 support workers remain unaccounted for at the base camp.

The avalanche reportedly left a deep layer of snow across the camp, making manual searches particularly dangerous.

Rescue operations have temporarily been suspended because of the continuing risks, but authorities and mountaineering organisations said they would continue monitoring conditions and resume efforts when it is considered safe.

The incident highlights the severe dangers faced by climbers and support teams working in high-altitude Himalayan environments, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall and unstable weather.