Rescue teams battle harsh weather as search continues for missing climbers following deadly snow slide on Yalung Ri peak in the Himalayas
At least seven climbers have been confirmed dead and five others remain missing after an avalanche struck a Himalayan peak in north-eastern Nepal on Monday November 3, 2025. The disaster occurred near the base camp of Yalung Ri mountain in the Dolakha district, roughly 09:00 local time (03:15 GMT), according to expedition organizers Seven Summit Treks.
The deceased include climbers from Italy, Canada, Germany, and France, along with two Nepali guides. Authorities say the missing are suspected to be buried beneath an estimated 10 to 15 feet of snow. “It will take time to find them,” said Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Seven Summit Treks, as rescue teams continue to dig through the debris.
Eight climbers who sustained injuries were airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment. The group had reportedly set out just over an hour before the avalanche struck.
District police chief Gyan Kumar Mahato told BBC Nepali that a rescue helicopter managed to land in the remote Na Gaun area, a five-hour trek from the base camp. However, challenging weather and terrain have significantly slowed the operation. “Logistical issues and poor visibility have made it extremely difficult to fly or even access the site on foot,” Mahato said.
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One of the survivors criticized what he described as delayed emergency response, telling The Kathmandu Post that “more lives could have been saved” had help arrived sooner.
The climbers were using the 5,630m (18,471ft) Yalung Ri to acclimatize before attempting the nearby Dolma Khang peak, which stands at 6,332m (20,774ft). Autumn typically draws climbers to Nepal due to its stable weather, though this year has been marred by unusual conditions. Last week, Cyclone Montha brought heavy rain and snowfall across the Himalayas, disrupting expeditions.
In a separate incident, rescue efforts continue for two Italian climbers missing on Panbari mountain in western Nepal. They were part of a group stranded by severe weather last week, which included three local guides. One member, 65-year-old Velter Perlino, was rescued, but the fate of his companions remains unknown.
Authorities warn that the risk of avalanches remains high as shifting weather patterns complicate climbing conditions in the world’s highest mountain range.
Africa Daily News, New York
