The Himlung Himal avalanche in Nepal has claimed seven lives.

In the Nar Phu region of Nepal’s Manang district, the base camp of the 7,126-meter Himlung Himal summit was hit by an avalanche that buried tents housing 16 people, including mountain guides and supporting staff. Officials report that nine persons, all Nepalese, are still unaccounted for and seven bodies have been found thus far.

On Tuesday, inclement weather at the scene of the accident hindered the rescue efforts, but when they began on Wednesday, three additional fatalities were discovered.

To find the missing workers and guides, who typically assist climbing trips with logistics and other matters, a 14-person rescue squad has been sent out.

In order to be ready for the climbing season, some two dozen Nepali high-altitude staff and guides from Himalayan Holidays and Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition traveled from Kathmandu to Himlung Himal approximately two weeks ago. They had been setting up the base camp and working on the climbing route.

The ongoing rain and snowfall in Nepal’s mountainous regions, which have previously caused landslides and floods, coincided with Sunday’s avalanche. It occurred while Nepal was still recuperating from the devastating August flash floods that left about 5,000 people missing and over 1,450 dead. PTI SBP RD RD