A solemn tragedy has struck the majestic Himalayas, with at least three climbers confirmed dead following an avalanche on a peak in northeastern Nepal. Among the victims is a French national. The incident occurred on Monday morning near the base camp of the Yalung Ri mountain, a popular trekking destination in the Dolakha district.
The group, consisting of 12 trekkers and local guides, had begun their ascent just over an hour before the avalanche struck. Police officials have confirmed that along with the French climber, two Italians, a German, and a Canadian have also lost their lives. The group of five Nepali guides who were part of the expedition sustained injuries but are reported to be out of critical danger. Rescue efforts are currently underway to locate any remaining individuals who may have been affected.
Authorities are facing challenges in their search and rescue mission due to adverse weather conditions and logistical difficulties in the remote mountainous terrain. The Yalung Ri base camp is situated in an area that requires a considerable trek to reach, complicating immediate access for rescue teams.
In a separate incident, rescue efforts are also ongoing for two Italian climbers and three local guides who went missing on the Panbari mountain in western Nepal last week. One member of that group has since been rescued.
The region has recently experienced severe weather, including heavy rain and snowfall attributed to Cyclone Montha, which has stranded several trekkers and tourists. This has led to multiple rescue operations across the Himalayan region, including one that freed two British and one Irish woman from the western Mustang area.