The death toll from the avalanche that struck Nepal's Himlung Himal mountain has risen to four, while search and rescue teams continue efforts to locate 12 people who remain missing.

According to The Kathmandu Post, authorities confirmed that rescue teams recovered the bodies of two more victims during search operations, bringing the total number of fatalities from the September 27 avalanche to four.

The avalanche struck the 7,126-metre Himlung Himal, located near Nepal's border with China, following heavy rain and snowfall that increased the risk of avalanches across the Himalayan region.

Search operation continues under difficult conditions

Officials said rescue teams are continuing to search for the remaining 12 missing people despite adverse weather, deep snow and difficult terrain.

The victims were part of a support team preparing routes and base camp facilities for foreign climbers expected to arrive during Nepal's autumn mountaineering season. The group included Nepali mountain guides, porters and other expedition staff.

Earlier rescue operations succeeded in evacuating 10 survivors by helicopter to safer locations, while the bodies of the deceased were transported to Kathmandu for identification and further procedures.

Weather hampers rescue efforts

The search operation is being coordinated by Nepalese rescue authorities with the assistance of experienced mountain rescue teams. Officials said unstable weather and the continuing risk of further avalanches have complicated efforts to reach those still missing.

The Nepalese government has issued high-level weather alerts across parts of the Himalayan region, warning of continued heavy rainfall and snowfall that could trigger additional avalanches and landslides in mountainous areas.

Himlung Himal, one of Nepal's popular 7,000-metre peaks, attracts climbers each autumn, with local guides and support personnel arriving in advance to prepare camps and climbing routes before international expeditions begin.(ILKHA)