10 missing after avalanche hits Nepal's Himlung peak base camp

At least ten climbers and guides are currently missing following an avalanche that struck the base camp of Himlung peak in central Nepal on Sunday morning, according to an expedition organizer. Nepal is still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating, tsunami-like flood that occurred on August 26, resulting in over 1,400 deaths and more than 6,000 people missing.

Himlung peak, situated near the border with Tibet, stands at an elevation of 7,126 meters and had recently experienced several days of heavy snowfall before the avalanche. Two helicopters and a search and rescue team are currently on standby but have been unable to launch their operations due to unfavorable weather conditions, informed Bibhuti Chand Thakur of Himalaya Holidays Trekking to AFP.

Eight members of the organizing expedition team and an additional two individuals from another company have been reported missing, all of whom are Nepali nationals. Nepal is home to eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks, and foreign climbers who visit its mountains contribute significantly to the country's economy, especially during the off-season.

The Nepalese government has issued more than 500 climbing permits for the autumn season, with Manaslu, the world's eighth highest mountain, being the primary destination. Heavy snowfall on Manaslu this week has forced climbers to cancel their expeditions, and trekking activities have been suspended in the Dhaulagiri mountain range.

Additionally, parts of Nepal have endured heavy rainfall since Thursday, causing roads to be washed away and triggering landslides.