An avalanche struck a camp on Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal on March 18, 2024, resulting in the tragic deaths of five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides. The incident occurred at a base camp situated at an elevation of 16,070 feet, according to officials from the Armed Police Force.
Spokesperson Shailendra Thapa confirmed that in addition to the fatalities, five other individuals sustained injuries during the avalanche. While the nationalities of the deceased climbers have not yet been officially disclosed, reports from local media indicate that some of the victims were U.S. citizens.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with responders making their way to the site on foot. The peak of Mount Yalung Ri rises to an altitude of 18,370 feet, posing additional challenges for the rescue teams navigating the mountainous terrain.
Authorities are working to gather further details regarding the climbers and the circumstances surrounding the avalanche. The incident has cast a shadow over Nepal’s climbing season, a time typically filled with adventure and exploration in the Himalayas.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the impact of this tragedy is being felt not only by the families of the victims but also within the climbing community, which often faces the risks associated with high-altitude expeditions. The government is expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
This avalanche is a stark reminder of the inherent dangers climbers encounter in the pursuit of summiting some of the world’s highest peaks.
