3 killed in avalanche in northeast Nepal; 4 missing

Three people, including a foreign climber, were killed and four others went missing on Monday as an avalanche struck northeastern Nepal's Yalung Ri peak.

Five others were injured as the avalanche swept through the base camp of the 5,630-metre-tall peak, located in the Rolwaling Valley of Bagmati province's Dolakha district.

A French climber and two Nepali guides died during an expedition when the avalanche occurred at around 10 am, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Mahato.

Local media had initially reported a higher toll of seven.

The expedition team consisted of 12 people -- seven Nepali guides and five foreign climbers.

Four foreign nationals, including those from Canada, Germany and Italy, have been missing since the incident and rescue operations continued till Monday evening.

The five Nepalese who were injured were rescued from the incident site.

A search operation was carried out by the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police personnel with the help of a helicopter, said DSP Mahato, adding that it was hampered by bad weather.

The search operation will continue on Tuesday, he said.