Several people missing after avalanche hits Himlung base camp in Nepal

KATHMANDU - Several Nepali expedition guides and support staff are missing following an avalanche at the base camp of Mt. Himlung in Nepal's Manang district on Sunday morning, according to expedition companies operating in the area.

The avalanche swept through the base camp of the 7,126-meter-high mountain and buried several tents where expedition guides and support staff from an advance team were staying for necessary observation and preparations ahead of the autumn climbing season.

"One of our staff informed us about the avalanche early Sunday morning after it struck the base camp," Barun Bhandari, general manager of Himalayan Holidays, an expedition company, told Xinhua. "Following notifying us, he has not been in our contact. We are getting information that more than half a dozen of our staff out of 21 are unaccounted for, but we are not sure about the exact number."

Bhandari said the company had made the necessary preparations for rescue efforts.

Imagine Nepal Private Limited, another expedition company, also confirmed to Xinhua that an avalanche had hit the area and said it was preparing for a rescue operation.

"We are currently coordinating the rescue mission. At this moment, our priority is to coordinate closely with the rescue team for the search and rescue operation," said Dawa Sherpa, executive director of Imagine Nepal.

Chief District Officer of Manang district Mukti Prasad Khanal said he had also received information about the avalanche but was not yet sure about the condition of those who were at the base camp when it struck.

"In fact, we have not been able to establish contact with local government officials and other concerned agencies," he said. "Helicopter companies have sought permission to fly to the area for rescue purposes."

The incident occurred amid severe weather and heavy rainfall affecting parts of Nepal, including Manang.