A search and rescue (SAR) team comprising eight IFMGA/NNMGA mountain guides has been placed on standby at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) following a devastating avalanche on Mt. Himlung in the early hours of Sunday. The team is awaiting favorable weather and flight conditions to travel to the affected area and assist in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Mingma Gyalje Sherpa Leads Rescue Team
The rescue team is being led by IFMGA/NNMGA Mountain Guide Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, popularly known as Mingma G. The team has been assembled by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) to respond to the incident and support efforts to locate those reported missing after the avalanche.
The SAR team includes Mingma Gyalje Sherpa (Mingma G) as team leader, along with Pasang Kaji Sherpa, Pasang Rinzee Sherpa, Ashish Gurung, Tsering Pemba Sherpa, Bikram Karki, Dandu Sherpa and Pimba Tenjing Lama, General Secretary of NNMGA.
Mountain Workers Reported Missing
According to information received so far, several mountain workers are reported to be missing following the avalanche. Details regarding the number of people affected and their whereabouts are still being gathered as authorities and rescue agencies assess the situation. The avalanche has raised immediate concerns for the safety of climbers, mountain workers and other personnel in the Mt. Himlung area.
Rescue Operation Awaiting Favorable Weather
The NNMGA team remains ready to mobilize from Kathmandu as soon as weather and aviation conditions allow flights to the affected area. Poor weather conditions can significantly affect helicopter operations in high-altitude mountain regions, making safe access to the incident site a key consideration for the rescue effort.
The team will coordinate with relevant authorities and agencies once it is able to reach the affected area and begin the search and rescue operation.
NNMGA Team Ready to Respond
The NNMGA has expressed its readiness to deploy the experienced mountain guides and provide support in the search for the missing mountain workers. The team is currently maintaining standby status at TIA while monitoring weather and flight conditions.
Further details regarding the missing personnel and the progress of the rescue operation are expected as information becomes available.
