SATV, Kathmandu, sept.28-  Search and rescue teams stepped up operations on Monday in Narpabhumi-5 of Manang following a massive avalanche on Mount Himlung.

Two trekking guides were killed in the incident. Police identified the deceased as 31-year-old Pasang Bhote and Kshepi Bhote, both from Bhotkhola Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha.

A Kailash Helicopter airlifted their bodies to Kathmandu after they were initially recovered and taken to Chame.

The bodies were transported to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) for post-mortem examinations.

Although initial reports suggested that 14 people were missing following the avalanche, district officials said the exact number has yet to be confirmed.

Security personnel and aerial rescue teams continued searching the affected area as efforts to locate those still unaccounted for intensified.