Rescue teams search Nepal mountain for 12 swept away by avalanche

Kathmandu, Nepal witnessed a tragic avalanche at the Himlung peak, resulting in at least two deaths and 14 people still missing, according to an official on Monday. Rescuers restarted their search efforts early Sunday after the deadly avalanche swept through the base camp of the 7,126-meter peak near the Chinese border, burying tents beneath a heavy snowfall.

Two bodies were recovered by rescuers on the night of the incident, as per Tul Singh Gurung, the president of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association. The search operation continues, involving a team of eight mountain guides. The rescue leader, Mountaineer Mingma G Sherpa, admitted that challenging weather conditions hindered their efforts, stating that they reached the accident site only in the evening on Sunday.

The deceased were identified as guides, while the 14 missing personnel were kitchen staff at the expedition camp. Initial reports claimed that at least 10 individuals were missing, but the actual number was later revised. This unfortunate event adds to Nepal's recent string of natural disasters, including a devastating glacial flood on August 26 that claimed over 1,400 lives and left more than 6,000 people missing.

Recent heavy rains have triggered additional floods and landslides, leading to at least 21 fatalities, as per the national disaster agency. Nepal, renowned for hosting eight of the world's 14 highest peaks, heavily depends on mountaineering and trekking tourism.