Canadian reported among missing in deadly Nepal avalanche

An avalanche hit a Himalyan peak in Nepal on Sunday, killing at least nine and leaving several others missing, including a Canadian, officials said.

Foreign affairs has confirmed to CTV News that a Canadian is among the missing, but could not immediately confirm the individual's identity.

“We are following the developments closely and stand ready to provide consular assistance should there be a need,” spokesperson Chrystiane Roy said Sunday, explaining that Canadian officials were in contact with Nepalese authorities.

“Our thoughts are with the victims (and their families) of this avalanche.”

Among the missing are five French citizens and an Italian citizen, reports U.K.-based paper The Telegraph.

An official of Nepal's tourism ministry said that the dead climbers were from Spain, Germany and Nepal.

Spain's Foreign Ministry confirmed that a Spanish citizen was among those killed, but did not identify the victim.

The other victims' identities are still being confirmed.

Local police official Basanta Bahadur Kuwar said the bodies of a Nepalese guide and a German man were recovered and that pilots have spotted seven other bodies on northern Nepal's Mount Manaslu – the world's eight-highest mountain.

Kuwar said 10 other climbers survived, but many suffered injuries and were taken by helicopter to hospitals.

Rescuers were also attempting to bring the bodies of the dead back to the base camp.

By Sunday afternoon, deteriorating weather conditions halted the air searches, said Kuwar.

The avalanche hit the group of climbers early in the morning at their camp 7,000 metres above sea level, as they prepared to ascend towards the is 8,156 metre-high summit.

In total there were 231 climbers and guides on the mountain at the time, but not all were at the camp when the avalanche hit, said officials.

Nepal's autumn mountaineering push comes at the end of the rainy monsoon season, which often makes weather conditions unpredictable.

In recent years, climbers have complained of deteriorating conditions and increasing accident risks in Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks.

Earlier this year, mountain guide Apa, who has climbed Mount Everest a record 21 times, travelled across Nepal for months to campaign about the toll global warming had taken on the peaks.

He told The Associated Press that now the mountains have less ice and snow, making it more difficult for climbers to use their tools to grip the slopes.

Loose snow also increases the risk of avalanches.

Officials are continuing to investigate the cause of Sunday's avalanche.

With files from The Associated Press

Source:
http://www.news.ezonearticle.com/2012/09/23/canadian-reported-among-missing-in-deadly-nepal-avalanche/