A Nepal avalanche on Mount Himlung killed two people and left several missing as rescuers continue searching amid severe weather.
Nepal Avalanche Triggers Major Rescue Operation
Rescuers are continuing a search operation on Mount Himlung in north-central Nepal after a powerful avalanche killed at least two people and swept away several others during severe weather.
The avalanche struck the 7,126-metre (23,380-foot) mountain on Sunday while Nepali expedition workers were staying at a base camp and preparing for the arrival of foreign climbers. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the risks facing mountaineering teams as Nepal experiences heavy rain, flooding and landslides in several regions.
At least 10 people have been rescued from the mountain, while a number of expedition workers remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams are working in difficult weather and challenging high-altitude conditions as they search for those still missing.
The bodies of two people who died in the avalanche were recovered during the rescue operation. They were flown to Kathmandu on Monday before being transported to a teaching hospital for further procedures.
Search Continues on Mount Himlung
The search operation is being led by experienced mountain guides familiar with the difficult terrain around Mount Himlung.
According to officials involved in the operation, a team of eight mountain guides has been taking part in the search. Rescue efforts continued into the evening after rescuers located the bodies of the two victims.
All of the people killed or reported missing in the avalanche were Nepali nationals. They had been working at the base camp ahead of the autumn climbing season, when international mountaineers typically arrive in Nepal to attempt some of the country’s highest peaks.
The difficult conditions have made the rescue operation particularly challenging. Heavy rainfall in the region has contributed to flooding and landslides, adding further hazards for rescuers working near the mountain.
Severe Weather Raises Risks Across Nepal
The Mount Himlung avalanche occurred as Nepal faced warnings of severe weather across much of the country.
Authorities reported that flooding and landslides affected Manang district, where Mount Himlung is located. Heavy rainfall over the weekend was blamed for the disasters, increasing concerns about unstable slopes and dangerous conditions in mountainous areas.
The latest avalanche is part of a broader period of extreme weather affecting Nepal. Disaster authorities reported that 21 other people were killed and five remained missing in different parts of the country between Thursday and Sunday.
The combination of intense rainfall, landslides, flooding and unstable mountain terrain has created additional challenges for emergency responders.
Nepal Still Recovering From Major Flooding
Nepal is also continuing its recovery from devastating flooding that struck the country in August.
The disaster swept away several villages and resulted in more than 1,400 deaths. Thousands of people were reported missing in the aftermath, while thousands more were rescued from affected areas.
The scale of the recent disasters has placed significant pressure on emergency services and local authorities. Mountain communities remain particularly vulnerable because difficult terrain can make rescue operations slower and access to remote areas extremely challenging.
Climate and Mountain Hazards Add to Concerns
Scientists studying Nepal’s recent extreme weather have linked the country’s growing environmental risks to several interconnected factors.
Research has pointed to long-term warming, glacier retreat, melting permafrost and geological instability as factors that can increase the vulnerability of mountainous regions. Rather than being caused by a single extreme weather event, recent disasters have been described as the result of several environmental pressures occurring together.
These conditions can increase the risks of avalanches, landslides, flooding and other natural hazards across the Himalayas.
For climbers and expedition workers, the changing conditions can make already dangerous mountain environments even more unpredictable. Sudden weather changes, unstable snow and ice, and heavy rainfall can create serious risks even when climbing routes have been carefully planned.
Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Difficult Conditions
The immediate priority remains finding the people still missing after the Mount Himlung avalanche. Rescue teams are continuing to search the affected area while monitoring weather and terrain conditions.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by Nepali mountain workers, who play a crucial role in supporting climbing expeditions across the Himalayas.
As the autumn climbing season continues, authorities and expedition teams are likely to face increased pressure to monitor weather conditions closely and respond quickly to changing risks.
The search on Mount Himlung remains ongoing as rescuers work to locate those still missing and bring them safely back to their families.
