KATHMANDU: The bodies of three more missing workers have been recovered from the Himlung Himal base camp, taking the death toll from the avalanche to seven, according to the expedition organiser and rescuers.

The latest victims have been identified as Aash Gurung of Gorkha, Suraj Rai of Khotang and Kalam Budha of Rukum.

The bodies were recovered during an ongoing search and recovery operation at the avalanche site, where several expedition support workers were buried, Himalayan Holidays Nepal President Bibhu Chand Thakur said.

The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) said its rescue team, led by IFMGA mountain guides Pasang Kaji Sherpa and Bikram Karki, with support from more than five experienced climbing guides, was continuing the operation.

Four bodies had previously been recovered from the site: Chhebi Bhote and Pasang Bhote of Sankhuwasabha, Ghanashyam Rai of Khotang and Birendra Gurung of Gorkha.

The latest recovery comes after a ground team resumed search operations at the base camp on Wednesday. The team includes mountain guides and local residents from Manang and was mobilised to search for workers still missing after the avalanche buried the base camp.

The avalanche struck the Himlung Himal base camp on September 27, burying expedition support staff, including kitchen workers, under deep snow. NNMGA said the search would continue with efforts to recover those still missing.