Overview
- A large avalanche struck the Himlung Himal base camp on Sunday, burying tents and support staff who were preparing an international expedition.
- Rescuers have recovered four bodies so far, while reported missing counts differ between authorities and the expedition organiser, ranging from about six to 12 people.
- Search-and-rescue teams are continuing operations but say bad weather, heavy rain and the camp’s remote location have delayed access and limited helicopter and radio support.
- The camp had been occupied by sherpas, kitchen staff and other support crew who arrived Sept. 18 to prepare for a UAE expedition scheduled for early October.
- The avalanche follows weeks of extreme mountain weather and a recent catastrophic glacial flood in the region, prompting temporary permit suspensions in nearby conservation areas and raising fresh concerns for Nepal’s tourism-dependent mountain communities.