Nepal Avalanche Kills 15 on Mount Himlung

Rescuers discovered eight bodies at the base camp of Mount Himlung in Nepal on Thursday, raising the total number of deaths to 15 following an avalanche during severe weather on Sunday.

The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, which is leading the search, reported that rescuers dug through snow to find the bodies in tents at the base camp. One person remains missing.

"Due to continuing mountain hazards, recovery efforts have been temporarily concluded," the association stated. "Further efforts may be possible when conditions allow."

Experienced mountain guides from the association worked through the week, taking advantage of clear weather to excavate the snow that covered the base camp. They located 10 other climbers who were part of the group.

Mount Himlung is a 7,126-meter (23,380-foot) peak in north-central Nepal. The country is home to eight of the world's 14 tallest mountains, including Mount Everest.

The avalanche is considered one of the worst disasters in Nepal's mountaineering history. Hundreds of foreign climbers visit Nepal annually to attempt ascents of its high peaks, with many perishing in harsh weather conditions.

All those killed or missing this week were Nepali nationals who were preparing for foreign clients to arrive for the autumn climbing season, which began this month. Nepal is still recovering from devastating floods in August that swept away villages, resulting in more than 1,400 deaths and nearly 6,000 missing.