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Everest avalanche claims 12 mountain guides

As many as 12 mountain guides were killed when an avalanche swept away climbing parties at 5,800 meters, just below Camp II, of Mt Everest on Friday morning.
Dipendra Poudel of Trekking and Mountaineering Section under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) confirmed the deaths.
The identity of the deceased, however, is yet to be ascertained. Poudel, however, said all the deceased were Nepali mountain guides.
"Around 15 persons were swept away by the avalanche. We have recovered 12 bodies so far," Poudel said.
He said rescue mission was underway under the coordination of the contact office at the Everest Base Camp that the tourism ministry started from this season. "Liaisons officers, personnel of Nepal Army and Armed Police Force as well as guides from Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and icefall doctors are involved in rescue operations," he added.
Climbers of as many as six expeditions were swept away by the avalanche. "These expeditions were organized by operators like Alpine Ascent, Summit Nepal, Himalayan Guides and Beuyl, among others," added Poudel.

Last Update at: 3:30 pm (Updates are coming) SOURCE: TAAN