Overview
- Rescuers found two bodies after an avalanche struck the Himlung Himal base camp, and reports on the search put the number still unaccounted for between about 10 and 14 people, with initial missing reports published on Sunday.
- Those missing were largely Nepalese expedition support staff working to fix ropes and set up camps, with companies Himalayan Holidays Nepal and Imagine Nepal Treks identified by officials and organisers.
- Search efforts have been slowed by heavy snowfall and persistent rain, limited helicopter access because of weather and extra permit requirements, and delayed arrival of mountain rescue teams.
- The avalanche adds to an ongoing national emergency from the Aug. 26 glacier/bedrock collapse that the NDRRMA says has recovered about 1,453 bodies while roughly 5,300 people remain missing, forcing large DNA and forensic identification efforts.
- The combined events are disrupting the autumn climbing season, straining mortuary and transport capacity, and raising urgent humanitarian and reconstruction needs as floods and landslides continue to block roads and hamper relief.