Five climbers and two guides killed in Nepal avalanche

Seven people have been killed after an avalanche swept through their base camp in Nepal on Monday.

Officials confirmed that five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides were killed at Mount Yalung Ri’s base camp, located 4,900 metres above sea level.

The nationalities and identities of the foreign climbers are yet to be confirmed. Armed Police Force spokesperson Shailendra Thapa says a further five other people were hurt at the base camp.

Yalung Ri is considered a mountain for beginners with no previous experience needed. It has no climbing sections with a glacier-covered peak standing at 5,600 metres.

Nepal’s deteriorating weather has affected rescue efforts, with a helicopter forced to turn back due to snowstorms. Rescuers are now travelling to the camp on foot.

Thapa said that they will attempt to reach the site again via helicopter on Tuesday.