A massive landslide on Saturday in Nepal’s northeast left at least eight people dead and dozens missing as officials worked to clear debris blocking a major river and avert the possibility of flash floods.

Nepalese guides on Everest said on Tuesday they were packing up and leaving the mountain after a meeting at which they decided to abandon this year’s climbing season to honour their dead colleagues.

Millions of Nepalis defied low expectations and threats of violence to vote yesterday in elections seen as crucial in stabilising the country and breaking its political deadlock seven years after a civil war ended.

Nepal’s former rebel leader alleged on Thursday national elections were rigged after he reportedly lost his seat, sparking fears of renewed political instability in the Himalayan nation struggling to recover from a decade-long civil war.