Solukhumbu: Heavy snowfall, coupled with incessant rain, has killed a porter and left 10 tourists, including two foreign nationals, trapped on the Mera Peak, a mountain featuring high altitude trekking route, in Sankhuwasabha–an eastern district of Nepal.
[Related update: Five climbers rescued from Mera Peak; airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment]
The deceased has been identified as Jeevan Kulung, 25, a resident of Chachalung in Mahakulung Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu District Police Office confirmed.
According to police, the tourists got trapped when they were descending to the base camp from the peak that stands at 6,476 meters above the sea level.
“Four climbers are trapped at the Merala Cave located at an altitude of 5,700 meters, while four are trapped in the high camp, and four others at the base camp,” said DSP Kabit Katuwal, Chief of the Solukhumbu District Police Office.
Police said the trapped tourists are British nationals.
Likewise, the trapped Sherpa guides have been identified as Pasang Chhiring, Chheten Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa and Purna Thapa Magar. The identity of other trapped climbers is yet to be ascertained.
According to Adventure Victory, their expedition management agency, three climbers are in a critical condition as they are trapped with no food to eat.
“A helicopter is on standby for rescue operation,” said Laxman Mission Karki of the Adventure Victory. “Once the weather improves, the helicopter will fly for rescue operation.” RSS
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