KATHMANDU: Four bodies have been recovered from the Himlung Himal avalanche site as the search for 12 missing expedition support staff continues, the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) said on Monday.

The NNMGA search and rescue team recovered the bodies of Birendra Gurung and Ghan Shyam Rai on Monday, a day after recovering the bodies of climbing guides Chhebi Bhote and Pasang Bhote. The bodies of climbing guides recovered on Sunday, were brought to Kathmandu on Monday.

The avalanche struck the Himlung Himal base camp on Sunday, burying tents and 16 expedition support staff, including kitchen workers. The two guides recovered earlier were identified as being from Sankhuwasabha.

The search team continued operations at the avalanche site on Monday and planned to work for another three to four hours, weather and ground conditions permitting, according to the NNMGA.

Among those still missing are Pasang Nuri Sherpa of Okhaldhunga, Ash Bahadur Gurung of Gorkha, Kirte Tamang of Dolakha and Laxmi Bohora of Sindhupalchowk.

The avalanche had buried 14 kitchen staff from two expedition teams and two climbing guides, according to the Department of Tourism. The NNMGA had mobilised mountain guides for the search and rescue operation after the incident.