KATHMANDU, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Two bodies have been recovered after an avalanche struck the base camp area of Mt. Himlung in Nepal's mountainous district of Manang on Sunday morning, Nepal Police said.
The avalanche swept through the base camp of the 7,126-meter-high mountain and buried several tents where expedition guides and support staff from an advance team were staying for necessary observation and preparations ahead of the autumn climbing season.
Nepal Police said in a social media post that two bodies had been recovered following the avalanche, while search and rescue operations were continuing.
Concerned expedition companies said several of their staff members who were at the base camp to fix ropes and set up tents remained missing.
Earlier, Barun Bhandari, general manager of Himalayan Holidays, an expedition company, told Xinhua that more than half a dozen expedition guides and their support staff were unaccounted for after the avalanche.
Chief District Officer of Manang district Mukti Prasad Khanal said helicopters had been deployed to conduct rescue operations.
The incident occurred amid severe weather and heavy rainfall affecting parts of Nepal, including Manang. ■