File photo: Rescue workers search for survivors after an avalanche buried the Himlung base camp, Nepal
Deadliest incident of autumn climbing season
At least 15 Nepali workers were killed after an avalanche buried a mountain camp they were preparing for foreign climbers in central Nepal, making it the deadliest incident of the country’s autumn climbing season, which ends this month. 14 staff from Himalayan Holidays and two kitchen workers from Imagine Nepal Treks had initially been caught in the avalanche.
One worker remains missing, although Gurung said the chances of finding the person were dim and the rescue operation was likely to be wound up. The avalanche has now become the deadliest incident of Nepal’s autumn climbing season, according to Reuters. Gurung said the recovery operation was expected to conclude after rescuers retrieved the latest eight bodies.
The avalanche hit after persistent rain and heavy snowfall in the Himlung Himal area. Rescue efforts were hampered by poor weather and difficult access to the base camp. The Himlung Himal accident is the latest deadly incident involving high-altitude workers and climbers in the Himalayas and Karakoram this year.
Earlier reports had put the number of missing people lower before expedition organisers and authorities revised the figure after receiving information from the remote site.