Nepal Avalanche Death Toll Rises to at Least 15 Expedition Workers

Rescuers in Nepal recovered eight more bodies on Thursday from the site of an avalanche that struck a mountain expedition camp, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least 15 expedition workers, according to reports.

The avalanche swept through the camp, which was supporting a mountaineering expedition, and triggered a search and rescue operation involving local authorities and rescue teams working in difficult high-altitude conditions.

Nepal's mountains, including some of the world's highest peaks, draw large numbers of mountaineers, trekkers and the support workers who assist them each climbing season. Avalanches and other mountain hazards pose a persistent risk to both climbers and the Nepali guides, porters and camp staff who work on expeditions.

Further details about the specific expedition affected, the nationalities of those killed, and the condition of any survivors were not immediately available in the initial report. Rescue efforts were continuing as of Thursday, with authorities working to recover additional bodies and account for everyone who had been at the camp.

Incidents involving avalanches and other climbing-related accidents periodically draw attention to the risks faced by expedition support workers, who often work in hazardous high-altitude conditions to assist climbers attempting major peaks.