Ten climbers missing after avalanche hits Himalayan base camp

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The avalanche struck Himlung Himal, a mountain popular with overseas climbers

At least 10 Nepali climbers who were preparing to lead an expedition are missing after an avalanche hit a base camp in the Himalayas on Sunday.

The climb's organisers said the local guides were at a staging point close to the Himlung Himal peak in Manang district when the avalanche struck on Sunday morning.

Forecasts showed there was heavy snowfall around the 7,126 metre (23,380ft) peak in recent days, which lies on Nepal's border with Tibet.

Poor weather has hampered rescue efforts, with helicopters and rescue teams unable to reach the site.

Bibhuti Chand Thakur, of Himalaya Holidays Trekking, told AFP news agency: "Eight members of our expedition team and two more from another company have been reported missing."