Kathmandu [Nepal], November 3 (ANI): At least seven climbers, including five foreign nationals, were killed in an avalanche that struck the base camp of Yalung Ri Peak in Nepal’s Dolakha district, authorities confirmed on Monday.
According to police, the deceased include three US nationals, one Canadian, one Italian, and two Nepali climbers. “As of now, seven have been confirmed dead, four injured, with four others missing in the avalanche that hit the base camp of the 5,630-meter-high peak in the Rolwaling Valley of the district,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato of the District Police Office, Dolakha.
He added that a helicopter attempted to reach the area for rescue operations but was hampered by adverse weather conditions. “We will continue the search and rescue operation tomorrow morning,” Mahato said in a phone conversation with ANI.
Police said the climbers were struck earlier in the morning while preparing to ascend Dolma Khang (6,332 meters) and were stationed at the Yalung Ri base camp. The Rolwaling Valley had experienced heavy snowfall over the past week, forcing residents of the nearest village, Na Gaun, to temporarily relocate to Beding.
The weather cleared on Sunday, prompting the expedition team to resume their climb. However, due to the relocation of nearby settlements, the avalanche was reported to authorities later than usual.
“Teams of the Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force, and district police have been mobilised for search and rescue operations. The helicopter managed to fly in today, but due to poor weather and darkness, operations will resume tomorrow morning,” Mahato said.
According to reports from survivors, the team of 15 members had begun their ascent at around 5 am on Monday, when the avalanche struck the base camp at approximately 8:30 am. (ANI)
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