Over ten individuals, including climbers, culinary crew members, and high-altitude support staff, are missing following a significant avalanche at the Himlung Himal base camp, situated at 7,126 meters in the remote Nar Phu area of the Manang district.
The avalanche occurred on Sunday after a period of heavy rainfall and snow in the mountains, influenced by monsoonal cyclonic activity.
Base Camp Tents Destroyed
According to the Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOAN), the avalanche hit the mountain’s base camp, which had been left with several trekkers, despite evacuation advisories due to adverse weather conditions.
The missing individuals are associated with two major expedition agencies:
The multi-client expedition chartered Royal Sun in July for support. Himalayan Holidays Nepal reports 8 climbers and support staff missing. Remember Nepal Treks has reported losing 2 chefs when their tents were buried.
Rishi Bhandari, General Secretary of EOAN, relayed that by the weekend’s end, most expedition teams had already retreated to lower altitudes, but a few remained at the base camp.
Challenges in Search and Rescue Efforts
The search and rescue operations are facing multiple challenges. The Department of Tourism is closely monitoring the situation and actively engaging in rescue efforts. However, poor weather conditions and low visibility are complicating aerial reconnaissance.
Moreover, a special flight permit is required to fly over the restricted Nar Phu area, hindering emergency relief efforts.
Harsh Weather Conditions
Excessive rainfall and successive heavy blizzards have led to increased snow accumulation in Nepal’s hill districts, exacerbating the situation and raising the risk of secondary avalanches.
We are closely monitoring the situation, seeking more information, and coordinating rescue operations.
- Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Director General of the Department of Tourism.
Himlung Himal, located just south of Tibet’s border, is one of Nepal’s most popular peaks for high-altitude training. Tourism officials have issued an emergency advisory to halt all trekking and mountain expeditions in western and central Nepal until weather conditions improve.