An avalanche on Monday devastated a camp in Nepal, claiming the lives of five international climbers and two local guides, according to officials.
The natural disaster also left five other foreign climbers injured at the base camp of Mount Yalung Ri, which stands at an elevation of 16,070 feet. The authorities have yet to reveal the nationalities and identities of those affected.
A representative from the State Department informed Fox News Digital that the agency is aware of the avalanche and is actively seeking more information.
“The safety and security of U.S. citizens is the top priority for the U.S. Department of State,” the spokesperson stated. “We are vigilantly monitoring the situation and are prepared to offer consular assistance.”
While Mount Everest is a well-known peak in Nepal, this tragic event unfolded at the base camp of Mount Yalung Ri, resulting in seven fatalities on Monday. (Photo: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
Rescue teams are making their way to the location on foot, as harsh weather conditions forced a rescue helicopter to abandon its mission. Shailendra Thapa, a spokesperson for Nepal’s Armed Police Force, indicated that another attempt would be made at dawn on Tuesday.
Mount Yalung Ri is an 18,370-foot peak. It’s considered suitable for beginners with no previous experience climbing high mountains.
Nepal is home to eight of the world’s 14 tallest mountains, including Mount Everest.
Earlier this month, a South Korean climber died after getting caught in a powerful storm while attempting to summit a Himalayan peak just south of Mount Everest.
Villagers ascend the mountain during rescue efforts to reach hundreds of hikers trapped by heavy snow at tourist campsites on a slope of Mount Everest. (Lingsuiye via AP)
In the autumn months, climbers often scale smaller peaks before the rainy season and winter months.
