Nepal’s climbing community is in mourning as a tragic avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri claimed the lives of seven people, including five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides, amid relentless snowstorms that have gripped the Himalayan region. Authorities continue to battle hostile weather conditions as the search and rescue mission remains underway.
Rescue Teams Face Daunting Conditions
On Monday, disaster struck the base camp of Mount Yalung Ri, a peak standing 5,600 meters (18,370 feet) above sea level and favored by beginner climbers. The avalanche hit with devastating force, leaving five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides dead while injuring five others. The Armed Police Force spokesperson, Shailendra Thapa, confirmed that the incident occurred at an altitude of 4,900 meters (16,070 feet), making both rescue and recovery exceedingly challenging.
Nepal police official Gyan Kumar Mahato told Reuters that rescuers have resorted to reaching the site on foot after a rescue helicopter was forced to turn back due to poor visibility and worsening snowstorms. Authorities dispatched ground teams from the army and police, and four injured climbers have been evacuated to a nearby village for urgent medical care. The search is ongoing for potential missing climbers, with aerial support on standby, awaiting clear skies.
Rising Dangers During Autumn Climbing Season
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, traditionally attracts hundreds of climbers in the post-monsoon autumn months, when weather is typically stable. However, unseasonal snowstorms and shifting climate patterns are increasingly disrupting the region. This latest tragedy underscores the high risks that persist, even on peaks like Yalung Ri, often chosen by less experienced adventurers.
The avalanche has reignited discussions about mountaineering safety in Nepal, especially as the government recently proposed stricter regulations. A new law under consideration would require anyone seeking an Everest permit to have previously climbed at least one Nepalese peak above 7,000 meters – an effort to improve preparedness and mitigate risks stemming from inexperience.
Avalanche Safety: What to Do in an Emergency
An avalanche’s sudden fury offers little time to react. Officials advise that anyone witnessing an avalanche should keep their eyes on those caught in the slide and note their last visible spot for the search and rescue teams. It is crucial to wait until the snow stops moving before entering the area and to initiate a search immediately using any available avalanche beacons or probes. Calling for professional rescue is critical, as most survivors are found within the first 15 minutes.
Key Highlights
- 7 dead in Nepal’s Mount Yalung Ri avalanche: five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides
- Incident occurred at base camp, 4,900 meters altitude, amid worsening snowstorms
- Search-and-rescue by ground teams ongoing after helicopters were grounded by weather
- At least five others are injured and have been evacuated to safety
- Nepal proposes stricter regulations for Everest permits after rising accident rates
- Authorities urge vigilance and adherence to avalanche safety protocols during Himalayan climbs
This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature on the world’s highest peaks, and the relentless bravery of the rescuers who risk their lives to bring others home safely.