At least seven Italian climbers are missing in Nepal’s Himalayan Mountains after avalanches triggered by a snowstorm left nine people dead in recent days.
Three Italian climbers, along with five foreigners and two of their local guides, were confirmed dead on Monday when a massive avalanche hit their base camp near the summit of Mount YalungRi in Nepal’s Himalayan region, officials said.
Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Wednesday, said that local authorities had confirmed the deaths of three Italian climbers, but the remains of seven other climbers remain missing.
The Himalayan nation has been affected by a series of “avalanches in recent days killing several climbers,” the ministry said.
“Communication between local authorities and rescue teams and the Italian diplomatic mission in Nepal called the rescue operation extremely difficult amid the uncertain weather conditions,” they added.
Nepal’s Tourism Department’s Director, Himal Gautam, said there is no immediate information about the fate of the seven people reported missing.
Seven people killed at the camp included three Italians, two Nepalis, a German and a French climber, while five others were rescued, officials said.
Mount YalungRi, located in the Rolwaling Valley of northeastern Nepal, is a 5,600-metre (18,370-foot) peak considered suitable for novice mountaineers.
Nepal was hit last week by unseasonal rains and heavy snow due to the impact of Cyclone Montha has left many trekkers and tourists stranded on popular Himalayan trekking routes.
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