Post by : Rameen Ariff

An early-morning avalanche struck the base camp of Yalung Ri Peak in eastern Nepal, killing seven climbers and wounding several others. The 5,630-metre (18,471-foot) Himalayan mountain in Dolakha district was the scene of the deadly incident where 12 people had been staying.

Expedition organisers said the victims included three Italians, one German, one French and two Nepali climbers. Five survivors — including two French citizens and two Nepalis — were evacuated by helicopter and flown out on Tuesday morning.

Phurba Tenjing Sherpa, an expedition leader with Dreamers Destination, confirmed the fatalities and said he had seen the seven bodies. The company had coordinated the climb for three of those killed.

Rescue efforts began immediately after the slide. Nepal Police helicopters and private choppers fought poor weather to reach the isolated camp. Officials say all survivors have been accounted for, and teams are working to recover the remains from the avalanche debris.

Senior police official Gyan Kumar Mahato said, "Rescuers reached the site early this morning. The surviving climbers were evacuated safely and are receiving medical attention."

The avalanche follows a spell of worsening conditions across Nepal. Cyclone Montha last week brought heavy rain and snowfall to high-altitude areas, leaving trekkers and climbers stranded on several routes.

Nepal, which hosts eight of the world's ten highest peaks including Mount Everest, draws hundreds of climbers every year. Autumn is the second busiest season after spring, though shorter daylight, strong winds and unstable snow can heighten risks.

Tourism Department officials added that two other Italian climbers are reported missing on a remote peak in western Nepal, adding to recent mountaineering tragedies.

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

Despite tough terrain and adverse weather, rescue teams and authorities continue operations, while embassies cooperate with local officials to identify and repatriate foreign victims.

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