Seven Climbers Killed in Avalanche at Nepal’s Yalung Ri Base Camp

An avalanche swept through the base camp of Yalung Ri in eastern Nepal on Monday morning, killing seven climbers and leaving others injured. The 5,630-metre (18,471-foot) peak in Dolakha district was hosting around 12 people when the slide struck.

Expedition organisers said the dead included three Italians, one German, one French national and two Nepali climbers. Helicopter teams rescued five survivors — among them two French nationals and two Nepalis — and airlifted them to safety early Tuesday.

Phurba Tenjing Sherpa, an expedition leader with Dreamers Destination, confirmed the fatalities and said he had seen the seven bodies. His company had organised the expedition for three of those who died.

Search-and-rescue operations began immediately. Nepal Police helicopters and private operators worked in difficult weather to reach the remote camp. Officials reported all other survivors have been located and recovery teams are attempting to retrieve the deceased from the avalanche debris.

Senior police official Gyan Kumar Mahato said rescuers reached the site at first light and that the survivors were evacuated and are receiving medical treatment.

The avalanche occurred amid deteriorating weather across Nepal. Cyclone Montha last week brought heavy rain and fresh snowfall to several Himalayan areas, leaving trekkers and climbers stranded on popular routes.

Nepal, home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks including Mount Everest, attracts hundreds of climbers each year. Autumn is the secondary climbing season after spring, but shorter days, strong winds and unstable snow increase the hazards.

Officials at the Department of Tourism also reported two other Italian climbers missing while attempting a remote peak in western Nepal, adding to a recent run of mountaineering incidents.

The Himalayan Database records at least 1,093 deaths on Nepal’s mountains since 1950, with avalanches responsible for nearly one-third of those fatalities.

Authorities and rescue teams continue operations despite tough terrain and poor weather, while foreign embassies coordinate with local officials to identify victims and arrange repatriation.