KATHMAN: At least 13 mountaineers were killed and many went missing when a massive avalanche triggered by the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal struck Mt Everest.

According to Gyanendra Shrestha, an official at the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, at least 13 climbers and support staff were killed as the avalanche from Pumori side buried the base camp where more than 500 climbers and over 600 support staff and guides were staying for acclimatisation in their camps.

“Many climbers have gone missing and others were injured,” he said, adding that details were not available due to poor communication network in the region. Initial reports said more than 30 injured climbers were being treated by doctors near the base camp.

The fate of more than 20 climbers and high altitude workers, who were above Camp 1 remains unknown, Shrestha said, referring to the information transmitted by expedition members from the base camp. Jim Davidson of Colorado tweeted from Camp 1 that they were above the icefall and safe.

Romanian Climber Alex Gavan said on Twitter that there had been a huge avalanche and many people were up on the mountain. “Helped, searched and rescued victims through huge debris area. Many dead. Many more badly injured. More to die if not help asap,” he tweeted. Images posted by climbers on social networking sites showed all belongings scattered with the snow covering tents. “The icefall route that was fixed earlier collapsed,” DoT official Shrestha said. According to him, choppers are on standby to conduct rescue operations in the base camp, as rain and freak weather has caused delay.

“Many of our friends in base camp have been seriously injured and killed. We have very limited communication at the moment,” Everest ER, a medical team posted in its website. According to reports, two tents at the camp are filled with the injured and the toll could go up.

Jeeban Ghimire of Shangri-La Treks said all members of the Alpine Ascent Everest expedition were safe. Members of Seven Summit Treks and International Mountain Guides are also safe, according to operators.

“One of our Chinese clients, who was with another team, was among the dead in base camp,” Pemba Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks said, adding that there was however no impact of earthquake on climbers attempting Mt Annapurna and Mt Makalu. The Chinese embassy says that at least four Chinese lost their lives and five others were injured in the powerful quake.

Last April, 16 high altitude workers were killed in an avalanche that struck the icy slope in Khumbu icefall on Mt Everest.