At least three climbers, including a French national and two Nepalese individuals, have tragically died following an avalanche on a Himalayan peak in northeastern Nepal, according to local police reports.
The catastrophe took place at approximately 09:00 local time (03:15 GMT) on a Monday near the base camp of Yalung Ri mountain located in the Dolakha district.
Authorities fear that a further four climbers—including two Italians, a German, and a Canadian—are also missing, as they were part of the same group of twelve trekkers and local guides that ventured out shortly before the avalanche struck, the district police chief informed.
Five Nepali guides who returned to the base camp survived the incident but suffered injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Local deputy superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato stated, Three bodies have been seen and rescue teams have to find four more. It remains unconfirmed whether the other two confirmed fatalities, both Nepali, were affiliated with the climbing group or were climbers themselves.
A rescue helicopter has been deployed, reaching the Na Gaun area of Dolakha, which is about a five-hour walk from the Yalung Ri base camp. However, efforts to locate the missing climbers are being hindered due to poor weather conditions and logistical challenges.
Separate search operations are also ongoing for two Italian climbers who have gone missing in an attempt to scale Panbari mountain in western Nepal. Their group included three local guides, one of whom has since been rescued.
Autumn is typically favored by trekkers and climbers in Nepal due to more favorable weather, yet risks such as severe weather and avalanches persist. Last week's Cyclone Montha has exacerbated conditions, leading to several rescue operations and stranding climbers in various regions.
