Avalanche hits Nepal's Manang, 4 dead and 12 missing

An avalanche in Nepal's Manang district struck the base camp of Mount Himlung, resulting in at least four deaths and 12 people still unaccounted for, according to local rescue teams. The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, comprising experienced mountain guides, resumed the search operations on Monday after weather conditions improved.

Ten individuals had been rescued following the avalanche on Sunday. The four fatalities were Nepali nationals who were preparing the base camp and climbing route for the upcoming autumn mountaineering season. Two bodies were recovered on Monday, while the remaining remains were found on Sunday and transported to Kathmandu via helicopters.

The exact number of missing individuals remains unclear, with reports citing either eight or 12 people unaccounted for. A 14-member rescue team, flown in by helicopter from Chame, commenced the search for the missing workers and guides. Severe weather and challenging mountain conditions have hampered the rescue efforts, with heavy rainfall in the region triggering floods and landslides.

Nepal's disaster management agency reported 21 additional deaths and five people still missing across various parts of the country between Thursday and Sunday. Nepal is also grappling with the aftermath of devastating flash floods in August that claimed over 1,400 lives and left thousands missing.