In a tragic turn of events in the Nepalese Himalayas, seven Italian climbers remain missing after being caught in severe snowstorms and avalanches that have killed at least nine people. Rescue teams are battling challenging conditions to locate the missing individuals, with communication hampered by the remote mountain terrain.
The missing climbers were part of an expedition to Dolma Khang peak, which stands at 6,332 meters in Dolakha district. Italian authorities have identified some of the missing as Marco Di Marcello and Markus Kircheler, who were in the Yalung Ri area when an avalanche struck on Monday. Conflicting reports have emerged about the exact number of casualties, but local officials confirm that five people, including three foreign climbers and two Nepali guides, are unaccounted for in the Dolma Khang base camp region.
The avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri, a 5,600-meter peak considered suitable for novice mountaineers, killed seven people at a base camp, including three Italians, two Nepalis, one German, and one French climber. Five others were rescued from the site. In a separate incident, two Italian climbers lost their lives while attempting to scale Panbari peak in western Nepal last week, adding to the death toll.
Rescue operations are being coordinated by Nepalese authorities with assistance from foreign diplomatic missions, including a senior Italian diplomat who has arrived in Kathmandu. However, the efforts are severely hindered by ongoing poor weather, difficult access, and limited communication. Family members of the missing have reported that satellite signals from some climbers are still active, providing a glimmer of hope.
The recent disasters are linked to unseasonal heavy snowfall and avalanches triggered by Cyclone Montha, which swept through the region last week. This has stranded numerous trekkers and climbers on popular Himalayan routes, prompting authorities to issue alerts. Autumn is typically a peak season for mountaineering in Nepal, but the extreme weather has heightened risks.
As search and rescue missions continue, the focus is on locating the missing climbers and providing support to affected families. The incidents underscore the inherent dangers of high-altitude climbing and the vulnerability of expeditions to sudden weather changes. Future steps include reviewing safety protocols and enhancing coordination between international teams to prevent such tragedies.