Avalanche hits Manaslu base camp, 12 people injured

KATHMANDU, Sept 26: An avalanche has occurred at the base camp of Mt Manaslu in Gorkha district. 

According to the Director General of the Department of Tourism (DoT) Hom Prasad Luintel, an avalanche hit the base camp of Manaslu and 12 people have been injured in the incident. “Three of the injured persons are in serious condition while others are in normal condition.” He also said a foreign climber has gone missing while descending after summiting the mountain. 

Three helicopters have been deployed from Kathmandu towards the disaster site for rescuing those affected by the avalanche. It is said the rescue choppers have not been able to land at the site due to bad weather. The helicopters have landed at Samagaun of Gorkha. 

Mingma Sherpa, who went for rescue of the people injured in the avalanche, said that the rescue has become difficult due to inclement weather.  He shared that a team of Sherpas is on standby along with three helicopters at Samagaun. 

The avalanche occurred at the base camp of Mt Manaslu at Chumanubri Rural Municipality-1 of Gorkha district. 

The foreigners who were on mountaineering expedition and their Nepali assistants are at the base camp. The climbers have gone to the base camp of Mt Manaslu from various companies including the Seven Summit Trek. 

DoT's Mountaineering Section said 404 climbing teams of 38 expedition teams have taken permits for climbing Mt Manaslu in the autumn season. A total of 506 mountaineers belonging to 58 expedition teams have acquired permission for climbing 15 mountains and peaks including Mt Everest and Mt Manaslu this autumn season.