Kathmandu, September 27
Two bodies have been recovered after an avalanche struck Himlung Himal in Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality-5 of Manang, leaving several people missing.
According to Manang Chief District Officer Mukti Prasad Khanal, a rescue team brought the two bodies to Chame by helicopter on Sunday.
“Two bodies have just arrived by helicopter. It is no longer possible to continue searching and rescuing the others today. It is already dark, which makes rescue operations difficult,” Khanal said. “The rescue operation will resume tomorrow.”
Khanal said the area had been hit by multiple hazards, including the avalanche and flooding in the Thado Khola. Communication has also been affected in Manang due to disruptions to electricity and network services.
He added that another group of 10 people who had travelled toward Himlung Himal had made contact and were being moved to a safe location.
Meanwhile, Krishna Prasad Poudel, assistant chief district officer of Manang, said debris brought down by flooding in Thado Khola had formed a temporary blockage in the Marsyangdi River at Chame. However, he said there was no immediate indication of a major threat.
A warning system installed along the Marsyangdi River is currently sounding an alarm.
Floods cause widespread damage in Manang
Continuous rainfall has also caused significant damage in different parts of Manang.
Floods in streams around Chame swept away two wooden bridges and two causeways, while five houses were completely damaged, according to CDO Khanal.
Around 10 houses in Tal village have been inundated.
A suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River in Nasong Rural Municipality has also been swept away, while roads in Nising Rural Municipality remain blocked.
Authorities say heavy debris and difficult conditions have made it impossible for excavators to reach the affected areas.
Mountain guides among those missing
The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association said a total of 16 people were initially reported missing in the Himlung Himal incident, of whom two have now been found dead.
According to the association, 14 kitchen staff and two mountaineering guides were missing after the avalanche. They had travelled to the mountain as members of different expedition companies.
The association said the two mountaineering guides were found dead, although their identities have not yet been released.
An association rescue team reached the avalanche site by Prabhu Helicopter and has been carrying out search and rescue operations.
Rescuers including Mingma G, Pasang Kaji Sherpa, Ashish Gurung and Pemba Chhiring Sherpa have reached the site, while four additional rescuers are preparing to join the operation.
