KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 7
At least two climbers died and two others were missing after a massive avalanche swept away the main climbing route on Shishapangma this afternoon.
Rescuers have recovered bodies of two climbers - American woman climber Anna Gutu and her guide Mingmar Sherpa from the avalanche site, sources at the base camp said. American woman climber Gina Marie and her guide Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa have gone missing in the avalanche, sources confirmed.
According to sources, an avalanche struck the climb route above 7,800m when renowned climbers were attempting to reach the summit point.
Two American climbers - Anna Gutu and Gina Marie, who were in a tough race to be the first American woman to scale all 14 peaks, were hit by the avalanche, sources said. Gina was with Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa and Anna was guided by Mingmar Sherpa, sources claimed.
Tenjen is the record holding Sherpa climber who along with Kristin Harila scaled all 14 peaks in 92 days.
"Kami Rita Sherpa,Mitra Bahadur Tamang and Karma Gyalzen Sherpa were injured in the incident," sources said.
Eyewitnesses said that at least two avalanches hit the climbing route when two American women climbers along with their guides reached above 7,800m.
A team led by Mingma G from Imagine Nepal Treks and other climbers carried out rescue mission.
"The team has recovered two bodies," sources claimed. Search and rescue mission is underway.
Details to follow.
