Seven Italian climbers remain missing in Nepal’s Himalayas following a series of avalanches and severe snowstorms that have killed at least nine people over the past week. The deadly incidents have raised concerns over safety for trekkers and mountaineers in one of the world’s most challenging mountain regions.

Avalanche Strikes Base Camp on Mount Yalung Ri

On Monday, a massive avalanche struck a base camp near the summit of Mount Yalung Ri, a 5,600-metre (18,370-foot) peak in the Rolwaling Valley. The avalanche claimed the lives of five foreigners, including three Italians, a German, and a French climber, along with two Nepali guides, according to local authorities.

The bodies of an Italian and a French climber were recovered from the site, while five others were rescued, including three Nepalis and two French nationals. French survivor Isabelle Solange Thaon, 54, recounted the harrowing ordeal in an interview, describing how she jumped over rocks and swam through snow to survive, while her husband tragically lost his life when rocks struck his head.

Additional Deaths and Missing Climbers

Earlier on Friday, two Italian climbers attempting to summit Panbari mountain (6,887 metres / 22,595 feet) in western Nepal were confirmed dead after losing contact with authorities. Meanwhile, the seven missing Italian climbers remain unaccounted for, and rescue teams are facing significant challenges due to adverse weather and the remote locations of their expeditions.

Challenging Rescue Operations

Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that communication between local authorities, rescue teams, and diplomatic missions has been “extremely challenging.” The rugged terrain, combined with ongoing snowstorms, is hindering the coordination of search and rescue operations.

Himal Gautam, director of Nepal’s Department of Tourism, confirmed that no further updates on the missing climbers are currently available. Nepalese authorities continue to issue alerts to climbers and trekkers, emphasizing caution amid severe weather conditions.

Cyclone Montha Causes Unseasonal Snow and Rain

The recent storms in Nepal are linked to the effects of Cyclone Montha, which brought heavy snow and unseasonal rains across the country. These conditions have disrupted trekking and climbing routes, stranding tourists and increasing the risk of avalanches and landslides across the Himalayan region.

Nepal, home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest, is a major destination for mountaineers and trekkers worldwide. Authorities are urging all expeditions to exercise extreme caution, monitor weather reports, and adhere to local safety advisories.

International Response and Ongoing Search Efforts

Rescue teams, local authorities, and international missions continue to coordinate efforts to locate the missing climbers. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged support for search and rescue operations while highlighting the difficulties of mountain rescue in extreme weather.

The recent events underscore the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, particularly in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns in the Himalayas.