At least four people have died after an avalanche struck the base camp of Himlung Himal in Nepal’s Manang district, while 12 others remain missing, according to Nepal’s National Mountain Guide Association and local reports.The avalanche hit the 7,126-metre Himlung Himal in the Nar Phu region on Sunday morning after days of heavy rain and snowfall. Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate those still missing.Key HighlightsFour bodies have been recovered and identified after the Himlung Himal avalanche.Twelve people remain missing, according to the latest update.The avalanche struck the mountain’s base camp in Manang district.The affected group included climbing guides and support staff.Heavy rain and snowfall had affected the region before the avalanche.Search and rescue operations are continuing despite difficult weather and terrain.What Happened at Himlung Himal Base Camp?The avalanche struck the Himlung Himal base camp in the Nar Phu area of Manang district on Sunday morning.The base camp was being prepared by expedition support teams ahead of the climbing season. Workers had been setting up tents, preparing the camp and working on the climbing route when the avalanche hit.The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association said four bodies had been recovered and identified. The deceased included climbing guides Chhebi Bhote and Pasang Bhote, whose bodies were recovered on Sunday, followed by Birendra Gurung and Ghanshyam Rai on Monday.12 People Still MissingSearch teams are continuing operations for 12 people who remain unaccounted for after the avalanche.Earlier reports gave different figures for the number of missing people as authorities and expedition organisers worked to establish the exact situation at the remote base camp. The latest update from the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association puts the number of people still missing at 12.The missing workers and guides were associated with expedition companies preparing the base camp for a group of climbers expected to arrive in Nepal.Rescue Operations UnderwayA rescue team led by experienced mountain guide Mingma G Sherpa has reached the avalanche-hit area.A 14-member rescue team was mobilised to search for missing workers and guides. Helicopters were used to transport rescuers to the base camp, although weather and difficult mountain conditions have complicated the operation.Search teams are working through deep snow to locate those still missing. The operation is dependent on weather and mountain conditions.Severe Weather in NepalThe avalanche occurred after several days of persistent rain and snowfall across Nepal.The Department of Tourism and other authorities have warned trekkers and climbers about deteriorating weather conditions in high-altitude areas. Heavy rainfall has also caused floods and landslides in other parts of Nepal.The Himlung incident has highlighted the risks faced by mountain workers and expedition teams operating in remote Himalayan regions during periods of unstable weather.What Is Himlung Himal?Himlung Himal is a 7,126-metre mountain located in Nepal’s Manang district near the border with Tibet. It lies in the remote Nar Phu region and is a popular destination for mountaineering expeditions.The base camp is generally used by climbing teams preparing for summit attempts. In this case, support staff had travelled to the area ahead of the arrival of foreign climbers and were preparing the route and facilities.What Happens Next?Search and rescue teams are expected to continue looking for the 12 missing people as long as weather and mountain conditions allow.Authorities and expedition organisers are also working to confirm further details about the victims and those still missing. The final number of casualties could change as rescue operations continue.The Himlung Himal avalanche comes during a period of severe weather across Nepal, with authorities monitoring conditions in several mountainous areas.
