Avalanche Strikes Base Camp on Mount Yalung Ri
An avalanche swept through a base camp on Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal on Monday, killing seven people — five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides — and injuring five others, officials said.
Location and casualties: The camp sits at roughly 4,900 meters (16,070 feet). Armed Police Force spokesperson Shailendra Thapa confirmed the fatalities and said five additional climbers were treated for injuries at the site. The nationalities and identities of the foreign climbers have not yet been released by authorities.
Rescue efforts hampered by weather: Rescue teams were traveling to the site on foot after a helicopter mission was forced to turn back due to poor conditions. "The helicopter returned because of bad weather; we will attempt another mission at dawn," Thapa said.
Weather across Nepal's high terrain has deteriorated since last week, with fresh snowstorms reported on several peaks, complicating search-and-rescue operations.
About Yalung Ri: Mount Yalung Ri rises to approximately 5,600 meters (18,370 feet). It is often considered a peak suitable for relatively inexperienced climbers and is frequently attempted by visitors seeking high-altitude experience on smaller mountains.
Context: Nepal is home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Mount Everest. Spring is traditionally the busiest and safest season for high-altitude expeditions, but many foreign climbers also visit in the autumn window between the monsoon and winter to attempt smaller summits like Yalung Ri.
Next steps: Authorities continue to reach the site and assess the situation. An updated helicopter attempt is planned at first light, and officials expect to release further details, including the identities and nationalities of the deceased, as information becomes available.
