At least three climbers, including a French national and two Nepalese individuals, have died following an avalanche on the Himalayan peak of Yalung Ri in north-eastern Nepal, according to police reports.
The incident occurred at 09:00 local time (03:15 GMT) on Monday, near the base camp of the Yalung Ri mountain located in the Dolakha district.
A total of four climbers, comprising two Italians, a German, and a Canadian, are feared dead, but search operations are still underway. The fatalities and the missing climbers were part of a group of 12 trekkers, along with local guides, who began their ascent just over an hour before the avalanche hit, as reported by the district police chief.
Five Nepali guides who returned to the base camp managed to escape with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Three bodies have been seen, and rescue teams must locate four more, stated local Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato.
Details are still unclear regarding the roles of the deceased and the other climbing members.
A rescue helicopter was dispatched to the area on Monday, arriving in Na Gaun, approximately a five-hour trek from the Yalung Ri base camp.
Rescue efforts are hindered by poor weather conditions and logistical challenges, according to local media.
In separate developments, operations continue to find two Italian climbers, Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo, lost while attempting to climb the nearby Panbari mountain. Their group was stranded along with three local guides last week, while another member was successfully rescued.
Autumn is generally a peak season for trekking and climbing in Nepal, favored for better visibility and weather, despite ongoing risks of severe conditions and avalanches.
Last week, Cyclone Montha caused heavy rainfall and snowfall throughout Nepal, creating additional dangers for those in the region.
Recently, two British citizens and one Irish woman were rescued after being trapped in the Mustang region for several days. Additionally, severe weather also left numerous hikers stranded near Mount Everest earlier this month.
