Four dead, 12 missing after Himlung avalanche

Four people have been found dead, and 12 members remain missing after an avalanche struck the base camp of Himlung Himal in Manang on Sunday. Rescue teams recovered two bodies on Sunday and two more on Monday as the search continues.

The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) said 16 people were initially reported missing after the avalanche—14 kitchen staff members and two climbing guides working with different expedition companies.

An NNMGA search and rescue team reached the accident site and began searching for the remaining missing workers on Sunday. The team includes mountain guides Mingma G. Sherpa, Pasang Kaji Sherpa, Ashish Gurung and Tsering Pemba Sherpa, who reached the site by helicopter.

Four additional rescue team members were waiting at the airport to be deployed if needed.

The NNMGA said the search operation was continuing, with the team planning to work for another three to four hours, conditions permitting.

The avalanche struck the Himlung Himal base camp in Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, Manang, as teams prepared for the autumn climbing season.

The NNMGA has expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and said it remains committed to continuing the search and rescue operation until the mission is completed.