Avalanche at Nepal’s Yalung Ri Kills Seven Climbers, Officials Say

Post by : Raina Nasser

An avalanche struck the base camp of Yalung Ri Peak in Dolakha district on Monday, killing seven climbers and injuring others, authorities reported. The 5,630-metre (18,471-foot) Himalayan summit was the scene of the disaster while a party of 12 was stationed at the camp.

Expedition organisers identified the deceased as three Italian nationals, one German, one French climber and two Nepalis. Rescue crews said five additional expedition members were retrieved and evacuated by helicopter early Tuesday.

Phurba Tenjing Sherpa, a lead from the outfitter Dreamers Destination, confirmed the fatalities and said his team had organised the ascent for three of those who died. He reported personally viewing the bodies at the site.

Helicopters operated by Nepal Police alongside private choppers conducted the extraction despite adverse conditions. Officials said all survivors have been located and are receiving medical care, while search teams continue efforts to recover the deceased from the avalanche debris.

Senior police official Gyan Kumar Mahato said rescue teams reached the remote camp early on Tuesday and ensured the safe evacuation of remaining climbers, who are now under treatment.

The incident followed deteriorating weather across Nepal. Authorities noted that Cyclone Montha last week brought heavy precipitation and snowfall to Himalayan regions, complicating movement and stranding trekkers.

Nepal — host to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Everest — draws large numbers of climbers each season. Autumn, the second busiest climbing period after spring, presents hazards from shorter daylight, strong winds and unstable snowpack.

Officials also reported that two other Italian climbers are missing while attempting a remote summit in western Nepal, adding to a recent spate of mountaineering incidents.

Data from the Himalayan Database records at least 1,093 fatalities on Nepal’s peaks since 1950, with roughly one-third attributed to avalanches. Embassies are coordinating with local authorities to identify the foreign victims and arrange repatriation.

Rescue teams and officials stressed that operations will continue despite the challenging terrain and weather as investigations proceed into the cause and circumstances of the avalanche.