The recent avalanche at Himlung Himal peak in Nepal has resulted in four confirmed fatalities, with eight individuals still reported missing, according to local officials. The incident occurred on Sunday, when the avalanche struck the base camp of the 7,126-metre peak, burying tents that housed various supporting staff and mountain guides. All of those missing are reportedly Nepalese.

Rescue teams have managed to establish contact with ten of these individuals, while the recovery efforts continue. The deceased have been identified as Chhebi Bhote, Pasang Bhote, Birendra Gurung, and Ghan Shyam Rai. The bodies of Gurung and Rai were located on Monday, while Chhebi and Pasang were discovered the previous day. Information from the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association confirmed these identities through a social media announcement.

Rescue Operation Underway

A 14-member rescue team has been mobilised to locate the remaining eight missing workers and guides. This team departed from Kathmandu on Sunday, spending the night in Chame before proceeding to the Himlung base camp via helicopter. The search operation commenced immediately after their arrival.

Senior Captain Pasang Norbu Sherpa of Prabhu Helicopter reported that the rescue team’s flight took place early on Monday morning. Once on site, experienced high-altitude guides initiated the search, targeting areas where the missing individuals might be located. However, adverse weather conditions and challenging mountain terrain have complicated the operation.

Approximately two weeks prior to the avalanche, around twenty high-altitude workers and guides affiliated with Himalayan Holidays and Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition travelled from Kathmandu to prepare the climbing route and establish the base camp for the forthcoming climbing season.

Impact of Weather Conditions

The avalanche occurred during a period of persistent rain and snowfall affecting Nepal’s mountainous regions. This inclement weather has also caused landslides and flooding in various areas. The country is grappling with the aftermath of devastating flash floods in August, which resulted in over 1,450 deaths and around 5,000 individuals reported missing.

As rescue efforts proceed, the focus remains on locating the eight who are still unaccounted for. The challenging environmental conditions have raised concerns regarding the safety and efficiency of ongoing rescue measures.

While four bodies have been retrieved from the avalanche site and ten individuals have been contacted, the search will persist until all missing persons are located. Local organisations and government agencies continue to work collaboratively to facilitate the recovery efforts in the affected areas.

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