In brief
A recent avalanche in the Dolakha district of Nepal has claimed the lives of three climbers, including a French national. Search operations are underway to locate four others feared missing, as adverse weather complicates rescue efforts.
At least three climbers have died following an avalanche on a Himalayan peak in north-eastern Nepal, as confirmed by local police. Among the deceased is a French national, alongside two Nepali climbers, in an incident that transpired around 09:00 local time near the base camp of the Yalung Ri mountain in Dolakha district. Rescue teams are currently searching for four additional climbers—two Italians, a German, and a Canadian—who are also feared to be casualties of the avalanche. The group had set out prior to the avalanche, which struck more than an hour after their departure.Five Nepali guides who managed to return to the base camp suffered injuries but none are in critical condition. Three bodies have been seen and rescue teams have to find four more, stated Gyan Kumar Mahato, a local deputy superintendent of police.Rescue efforts have been hindered by poor weather conditions and complicated logistics. A helicopter was dispatched to the Na Gaun area of Dolakha, which is approximately a five-hour walk from the Yalung Ri base camp.In a separate incident, two Italian climbers remain missing in the western region of Nepal whilst attempting to summit Panbari mountain. Efforts to locate them continue as conditions remain challenging. Autumn, despite being a popular season for trekking in Nepal due to generally favorable weather, continues to present risks for climbers, especially following severe weather conditions brought by Cyclone Montha last week. This has resulted in several rescue operations across the Himalayan region.
