French climber among at least three killed in Nepal avalanche

A tragic avalanche struck the Yalung Ri mountain in Nepal’s Dolakha district on Monday, claiming the lives of at least three climbers, including a French national. The incident occurred at 09:00 local time near the base camp, where a group of 12 trekkers and local guides had set out just over an hour before the disaster. Among the deceased were two Italians, a German, and a Canadian. Five Nepali guides who managed to return to the base camp sustained non-critical injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing, but efforts are being hindered by adverse weather conditions and logistical challenges. A rescue helicopter has been deployed to the Na Gaun area, approximately a five-hour walk from the base camp. Separately, search and rescue missions continue for two Italian climbers, Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo, who went missing while attempting to scale Panbari mountain in western Nepal. The duo, along with three local guides, became stranded last week due to heavy rain and snowfall triggered by Cyclone Montha. While one member of their group, Velter Perlino, has been rescued, the fate of the others remains uncertain. The cyclone also left several trekkers and tourists stranded in the Himalayas, including two British and one Irish woman who were rescued after being trapped for days in the Mustang region.