At least three climbers, including a French national and two Nepalese, have died after being caught in an avalanche on Yalung Ri mountain in north-eastern Nepal, authorities report.
The avalanche struck at 9:00 AM local time (03:15 GMT) near the base camp, as part of a group of climbers was preparing for their ascent. Local police confirmed that another four climbers—a German, a Canadian, and two Italians—are feared dead, with ongoing searches being impeded by adverse weather.
Gyan Kumar Mahato, the district police chief, informed the BBC that three bodies have been located, while efforts continue to find the four missing individuals.
Additionally, five Nepali guides who managed to return to the base camp from the expedition sustained injuries but are not considered critical.
A rescue helicopter was dispatched to Na Gaun, a five-hour trek from the base camp, to coordinate further search operations.
Weather conditions have hindered rescue efforts according to local reports, with continued challenges faced by teams searching for missing climbers.
In a separate incident, two Italian climbers, Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo, remain missing on Panbari mountain, while another climber, Velter Perlino, has been rescued. Autumn is traditionally a high season for trekking in the region, though recent severe weather has raised risks for climbers.
