In the majestic yet perilous landscape of Nepal, nature has once again asserted its formidable power. A tragic avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri has claimed the lives of at least seven individuals, putting the spotlight on the challenges faced by climbers in the Himalayas. As search and rescue efforts unfold, this incident serves as a bittersweet reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty and treacherous conditions that define Nepal’s mountainous terrain.
At least seven people, including five foreign climbers, lost their lives in a recent avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri in eastern Nepal. According to reports from ZezapTV, the avalanche struck a group of 15 climbers as they were ascending the 5,630-meter (18,471-foot) mountain, leaving four members of the expedition still missing. The tragic event marks a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude climbing.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato confirmed that the avalanche buried climbers on the slope. “We received information late, and difficult weather conditions delayed our immediate response,” Mahato told ZezapTV. Among those killed were three French citizens, one Canadian, one Italian, and two Nepalis, highlighting the international appeal and inherent dangers of Nepal’s climbing routes.
Four Nepali climbers who sustained injuries were successfully evacuated, while four others remain unaccounted for. An injured climber shared his distressing experience, indicating that their cries for assistance went unanswered for hours. “We shouted and cried for help, but our pleas went unheard. We were told a helicopter would arrive in four hours, but by then, we had lost several friends,” he recounted.
Mount Yalung Ri, situated in the Rolwaling Valley of northeastern Nepal, presents climbers with a challenging combination of rock, ice, and snow. Prior to this tragic incident, the region had been grappling with adverse weather, including continuous snowfall that hampered rescue efforts. Mahato noted that helicopters could not navigate the area due to heavy snowfall and clouds; however, an aircraft eventually reached the site on Monday evening.
Rescue teams on foot have been deployed to the area, and the search operation is set to continue. Nepal, renowned for housing eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, annually attracts numerous climbers and trekkers drawn by its breathtaking vistas. While autumn expeditions in October and November are generally less favored due to shorter, colder days and challenging conditions, they still attract adventurous spirits willing to take on the mountains.
Additionally, in a separate incident, two Italian climbers went missing while attempting to scale a remote peak in western Nepal, underscoring the risks associated with high-altitude expeditions in this stunning yet unforgiving region.
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