KATHMANDU, May 8: The Eco Everest Expedition team led by ace climber Appa Sherpa was hit by an avalanche Thursday afternoon, officials say.
A high altitude climber, Lapka Nuru Sherpa, 32, of Namche-4 Solukhumbu, went missing after being trapped under snow, according to expedition organizers, Asian Trekking. [break]
The avalanche struck the expedition at Khumbu Icefall, located at 5,846 meters above sea level. The Icefall is considered the most dangerous part of the South Col route to the summit.
“Two foreigners who were trapped under the snow, have been rescued,” Surendra Sapkota, official at the Mountaineering Division, said.
Asian Trekking´s Sanjaya Baral said among the rescued are Australian climber Walter Lasarer and Dutch climber Banarbine Maria.
"Lakpa Nuru´s body was not found until Friday," Baral said. “Appa Sherpa and other expedition members are safe,” Baral said.
Appa, 48, who is seeking to make it to the top for the 19th time, is leading the expedition that has among team members Dawa Steven Sherpa, managing director of Asian Trekking.
The expedition plans to promote awareness about ecological problems plaguing Mt. Everest owing to accumulating debris.
There are 28 expeditions seeking to climb the mountain this seasom. Five Sherpas made it to the top on May 5. Among them is Phurba Tashi Sherpa, who climbed the mountain for the 16th time.
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