Kathmandu, Nepal | November 4:A powerful avalanche struck a climbing team on Mount Yalung Ri in eastern Nepal, killing seven people, including five foreign nationals, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The disaster occurred as a 15-member expedition was making its way up the 5,630-metre (18,471-foot) peak in the Rolwaling Valley, according to The Kathmandu Post. Officials said three French climbers, one Canadian, one Italian, and two Nepali mountaineers lost their lives in the incident.
Four Nepali climbers were rescued with injuries, while four others remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams faced severe challenges due to heavy snow, strong winds, and poor visibility, delaying immediate response efforts.
“We received the information late, and weather conditions made it impossible to reach them quickly,” said police officer Gyan Kumar Mahato. Survivors reported that they called for help but had to wait hours before assistance arrived.
Helicopters were unable to fly for much of the day, finally reaching the site late Monday, while ground rescue teams continued operations through Tuesday morning.
Mount Yalung Ri, known for its steep icy slopes, lies in one of Nepal’s lesser-known climbing regions. The area has seen continuous snowfall over the past week following Cyclone Montha, which also stranded trekkers elsewhere in the Himalayas.
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 tallest peaks, draws hundreds of adventurers each year. However, the autumn climbing season—with its shorter days and unstable weather—often brings heightened danger.
Separately, officials said two Italian climbers have gone missing on a remote peak in western Nepal amid worsening weather conditions.