Rescue teams engaged in a search operation on a Nepal mountain on Tuesday to locate the bodies of seven climbers who tragically perished in an avalanche, as confirmed by officials. The avalanche struck the base camp at Mount Yalung Ri, situated at an elevation of 4,900 meters, during Monday morning. Severe snowstorms initially hampered rescue efforts, but improved weather conditions on Tuesday allowed a helicopter to land with rescuers on site.
According to the Dolkha district administration office, eight other climbers injured in the avalanche were airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment, including three French nationals and five Nepali citizens. By Tuesday afternoon, at least three bodies had been retrieved from the snow, as reported by the police.
Global Affairs Canada mentioned in communication with CBC News on Tuesday that there were indications of a Canadian climber among the deceased, without providing further details citing privacy concerns.
Survivor Isabelle Solange Thaon, 54, recounted the loss of her husband, Christian Manfred, in the avalanche. She expressed gratitude for surviving alongside another French climber, Didier Armand, noting that their positioning played a critical role in their survival. Despite the harrowing experience, Thaon mourned the loss of her husband due to injuries sustained in the avalanche.
The casualties included two Nepali mountain guides, while the identities of the other four victims remained undisclosed. Yalung Ri, a peak standing at 5,600 meters, is often recommended for novice climbers.
In a separate incident, the bodies of two missing Italian climbers were discovered on Tuesday on another mountain, as confirmed by Nepal’s Tourism Department. The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed the deaths of Alessandro Caputo and Stefano Farronato, who were climbing Panbari Peak, where contact was lost last Friday due to heavy snowfall.