KATHMANDU: Rescuers have recovered 15 bodies from the Himlung Himal Base Camp avalanche site, with the search continuing for Pasang Nuri Sherpa of Okhaldhunga, according to Himalayan Holidays General Manager Devashish Malla.

“Rescuers recovered 15 bodies till today except Pasang Nuri Sherpa,” Malla said. Rescuers found Sherpa's tent and bedding at the avalanche site and are searching for his body. All others found buried inside their own tent.

Eight bodies were recovered on Thursday. Their identities are being established, Malla said. The bodies recovered earlier have already been identified, while helicopters have transported seven bodies recovered on Tuesday and Wednesday to Kathmandu.

The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) Search and Rescue Team, led by IFMGA mountain guides Pasang Kaji Sherpa and Bikram Karki, has been conducting the operation in coordination with Himalayan Holidays.

The avalanche struck the Himlung Himal Base Camp on September 27, burying 16 expedition support workers, including kitchen staff, under deep snow. Those reported buried were Birkha Dhoj Tamang, Jagat Tamang and Ngema Dorje Tamang of Kavre; Kalam Budha and Lak Kumar Gurung of Rukum and Khotang respectively; Suraj Rai of Khotang; Pasang Nuri Sherpa and Prem Tamang of Okhaldhunga; Santa Bir Tamang of Solukhumbu; Urkha Dhoj Bohora of Sindhupalchowk; Kirte Tamang of Dolakha; Ash Bahadur Gurung of Gorkha; and Cheebi Bhote, Pasang Bhote, Ghanashyam Rai and Birendra Gurung.

Of the 15 bodies recovered so far, seven had previously been identified as Chhebi Bhote and Pasang Bhote of Sankhuwasabha, Ghanashyam Rai and Suraj Rai of Khotang, Birendra Gurung and Aash Gurung of Gorkha, and Kalam Budha of Rukum.