SANKHUWASABHA: An American mountaineer has died after being caught in an avalanche while descending Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain.

According to District Police Office Sankhuwasabha spokesperson DSP Kumar Prasad Mainali, 53-year-old American citizen Sally Johansen was seriously injured when an avalanche struck between Camp III and Camp II at an altitude of approximately 7,200 meters in Makalu Rural Municipality-2. Police said Johansen succumbed to her injuries at around 8:00 a.m. on Monday.

Authorities said the accident site lies in an extremely remote area, making it impossible for a police team to reach immediately. Officials noted that it takes around 15 days to reach the location on foot from the Makalu region. Police said efforts are underway to gather further details about the incident.