A group of five South Korean climbers and four Nepali climbers and porters has been reported missing after a storm hit a camp on a Himalayan peak in west Nepal.
Tourism Ministry official Rameshwar Niraula said the storm, originally perceived as an avalanche, struck the group at the base camp, destroying the camp area.
Nepal is home to eight of the world's 14 highest mountains including Mount Everest, and the autumn climbing season is now at its peak, climbers are urged to be cautious when taking on such expeditions.