At least 18 people have been killed in the avalanche unleashed by Nepal earthquake on Saturday afternoon. An Indian army mountaineering team has recovered 18 bodies, so far and search operation is underway.
Authorities said that death toll could rise as avalanche had burried base camp of the world's tallest mountain. "Injured people have been safely brought to two tents at the camp," said Gyanendra Shrestha, spokesman, Nepal Tourism Ministry.
According to the figures released by tourism ministry, around 1000 climbers, including 400 foreigners, were present at the base camp or on Everest when the earthquake struck.
Updated on April 25, 06: 20pm (IST): Nepal earthquake triggers avalanche in Everest, at least 8 dead
The recent Nepal earthquake has led to an avalanche on the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, claiming the lives of 8 people at the Everest base camp. Till now, the Nepal Tourist Board has confirmed the death of 8 people and that the avalanche has buried a part of the Everest base camp. The toll is expected to increase and it may include sherpas and foreigners.
According to the Expedition Operators Association, many people have also been injured, however, the total number of the injured is still unknown. Currently, there may be around 800 climbers on the Everest.
At 12.01 PM Romanian climber Alex Gavan tweeted about a huge earthquake followed by a huge avalanche from Pumori. He also mentioned that many people were up on the mountain.
Everest base camp huge earthquaqe then huge avalanche from pumori.Running for life from my tent. Unhurt. Many many people up the mountain.
— Alex Gavan (@AlexGAVAN) April 25, 2015
Daniel Mazur, another climber from England said on twitter that his team was trapped at the Everest base camp 1 which had been "severely damaged".
A Massive earthquake just hit Everest. Basecamp has been severely damaged. Our team is caught in camp 1. Please pray for everyone. — Daniel Mazur (@danielmazur) April 25, 2015
He later tweeted that he and his team are all safe and have suffered no damage.
http://t.co/1tDxlXU6Az : WE FELT THE EARTHQUAKE ON THE NORTH SIDE BUT HAVE NO DAMAGE AND ALL ARE SAFE
— Daniel Mazur (@danielmazur) April 25, 2015
Adrian Ballinger, an American mountain guide who has climbed Everest six times, tweeted about the death of 8 people at the Everest, mentioning that the homes of his Sherpa Team were hit hard.
Reported at least 8 dead in Nepal's #Everest BC. Our Sherpa team's hometowns of Phortse + Khumjung also hit hard. Grieving here. #earthquake — Adrian Ballinger (@alpenglowexp) April 25, 2015
Just a year before, in April 2014, an avalanche just above the base camp on Mount Everest had claimed the lives of 16 sherpa guides. Most number of mountaineers climb the Mount Everest during the month of April before rain and clouds hit the region in May.
Image Credit (sky news twitter)
