In a tragic incident, an avalanche has taken the lives of seven climbers near the Himalayan base camp, with four others still missing, according to Nepalese officials. The disaster was caused by heavy snowfall brought by Cyclone Montha, which has led to deteriorating conditions that have made search and rescue operations extremely challenging.
Officials from Nepal have reported that the avalanche occurred in the early hours of the morning, disrupting the already fragile environment of the high-altitude region. The snowfall, which is unusually heavy for this time of year, has caused significant disruption, with the base camp experiencing a sudden and devastating collapse.
Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the area, but the poor weather conditions have made it nearly impossible to conduct aerial operations. With helicopters unable to land due to low visibility and strong winds, ground teams are continuing their efforts despite the risks involved.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of climbers and the impact of climate change on such remote regions. Experts are calling for stricter safety protocols and better infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.
Cyclone Montha, which is believed to have contributed to the heavy snowfall, is a rare occurrence in the region, highlighting the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns. The government has urged climbers and mountaineers to exercise caution and prepare for extreme weather conditions.