Credited from: CBSNEWS
On Monday, an avalanche struck a base camp on Mount Yalung Ri in eastern Nepal, killing seven individuals, among them five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides, according to Indiatimes and CBS News. Reports indicate that five more individuals sustained injuries during the incident, which happened at around 4,900 meters (16,070 feet) elevation.
Official reports state that the deceased climbers' nationalities include individuals from the U.S., France, Italy, and Canada, though specific identities have yet to be confirmed as rescue teams reach the challenging site on foot, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.
The avalanche buried a team of about 15 climbers, prompting rescue efforts that have been severely delayed by adverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and poor visibility. “We were told that a helicopter would come after four hours, but by then, several of our friends were gone,” one survivor stated, reflecting on the desperate situation, as noted by Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.
As rescue operations continue, officials confirm that the challenging conditions are impacting the search for additional missing climbers, with up to four foreign climbers still unaccounted for. This incident underscores the risks involved in Himalayan expeditions, particularly during periods of severe weather, as highlighted by Indiatimes, CBS News, and Channel News Asia.