KATHMANDU: Expedition operators have mobilised additional climbers and route-opening and rope-fixing teams to ensure the trekking route from Koto to Himlung Himal Base Camp is safe and accessible following an avalanche that left one person missing.

Teams from major expedition agencies, including Satori Adventures, Seven Summit Treks, 8K Expeditions, Pioneer Adventure, Himalayan Summit Club and Snowy Horizon Treks and Expeditions, left Kathmandu today carrying tools and equipment such as crowbars, pickaxes and shovels.

According to the Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOAN), the teams will repair damaged or obstructed sections of the route as they move towards the base camp to ensure safe access for climbers, mountain guides, Sherpas and support staff.

“The collective effort is aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth movement of everyone involved in the Himlung Himal expedition,” said Rishi Bhandari, general secretary of EOAN.

An avalanche struck the Himlung Himal Base Camp on September 27 following heavy snowfall and continuous rain, burying a tent occupied by expedition support workers. The association had initially reported 16 people missing, including two climbing guides and 14 kitchen staff.

Four bodies were recovered in the first two days, followed by three on Wednesday and further recoveries on Thursday. One person remains missing.

Most members and staff of other expedition companies had already descended to lower areas following weather warnings, EOAN said. Expedition operators had earlier deployed support staff to Himlung Himal to prepare the Base Camp for the autumn climbing season.