Australian woman confirmed to be among group missing in India's Himalayas after avalanche
Updated
Sydney woman Ruth McCance is among eight climbers missing in India's Himalayas after reports of a heavy avalanche on their proposed route.
Key points:
- The eight climbers are from Australia, the US, the UK and India
- Mountaineers found the group's tents empty at higher camp
- The group is led by renowned UK-based mountain guide Martin Moran
An experienced amateur climber who had been on mountain expeditions in India's Ladakh region previously, Ms McCance was attempting to climb India's second-highest peak Nanda Devi as part of an expedition group led by renowned UK-based mountain guide Martin Moran.
Three other men from UK were among the group, which also included two men from the US, an Indian guide, along with the Australian woman.
When they failed to return to base camp last Sunday, mountaineers searched a higher camp and found the group's tents empty.
Local mountaineers report there was a heavy avalanche on the group's proposed route.
India has sent a search team to look for them, but the rescuers are traveling on foot and are expected to take three days to reach their last known camp.
The missing were originally part of a team of 12 climbers, but four turned back to base camp while the remaining eight pushed on.
When called by the ABC, Mr Moran's wife declined to make a comment.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the missing Australian's family, but it could not provide any further details due to privacy reasons.
Topics: missing-person, community-and-society, disasters-and-accidents, avalanche, india, australia, united-kingdom, united-states
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