The death toll from the Himlung avalanche in Manang has risen to seven, with rescue teams continuing to search for nine individuals who remain missing since the incident on Ashoj 11 (September 27, 2026). Three additional bodies were recovered and transported to Kathmandu on Thursday.
Manang DSP Kopila Chudal confirmed that search operations are ongoing for the nine people still unaccounted for. The avalanche occurred in Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality-5, Himlung.
The identified victims include Chhedi Bhote and Pasang Bhote from Sankhuwasabha; Birendra Gurung from Gorkha; Ghanshyam Rai and Suraj Rai from Khotang; Kamal Budha from Rukum; and Asman Gurung from Kerauja, Gorkha. Families have claimed three of the recovered bodies.
The Himlung avalanche struck on the morning of Ashoj 11 (September 27, 2026). Prior to the incident, authorities had issued warnings for heavy rainfall in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces from Ashoj 9 to 11. Initial reports indicated 27 people were missing, but this number was later revised to 14 after 11 individuals managed to reach Phu village safely on their own. A 14-member rescue team, led by Mingma G Sherpa, has been deployed to the site to continue the search for the missing. The exact cause of the avalanche and the final count of those affected are yet to be definitively confirmed.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s share market saw a marginal increase on Thursday, with the NEPSE index rising by 0.26 points to close at 2599.15. The day’s trading recorded a turnover of over Rs 4.89 billion, involving 12 million shares from 353 companies. Siddhartha Bank Limited registered the highest turnover at Rs 305.3 million. Sindhu Bikas Bank Limited was the top gainer, with its share price increasing by over 10 percent, while Sayapatri Hydropower Limited saw the biggest loss, with its shares declining by over 9 percent. This slight improvement comes after the NEPSE index had fallen by more than 17 points in the week ending Ashoj 10 (September 26, 2026). Policy initiatives, including the Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank, decision to increase the margin loan limit for share collateral from Rs 150 million to Rs 250 million, are aimed at boosting investor confidence. Discussions are also underway regarding the privatization of Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) and policy clarity in the capital market.
