SOLUKHUMBU, Oct 20: Ten tourists including two foreign nationals are stranded in the Mera Peak area due to snowfall followed by incessant rains.
According to police, they have been confined since Tuesday afternoon as they were on the way back to the base camp of Mera Peak based in Mahakulung Rural Municipality after its successful ascent.
Chief of District Police Office, Solukhumbu, Kabit Katawal said four are reported to have gotten trapped at the Merala Cave located at an altitude of 5,700 metres, four at the high camp and two at the base camp at an altitude of 5,300 metres.
Stranded climbers, guide rescued from Mera peak
According to available information, among them, two are foreigners including one Briton. Others are Sherpa guides Pasang Chhiring, Chheten Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa and Purna Thapa Magar. Identities of others are yet to be ascertained.
Their expeditions were managed by Adventure Victory and Makalu Adventure. It is said that amidst adverse weather, seven climbing guides from Khare of Mahakulung have reached the Merala Cave for the rescue efforts.
Adventure Victory’s proprietor Laxman Karki said they had been reported that among the four, three are said to be in a serious condition. The group has no food to eat. A rescue helicopter is on standby and it will be sent to Mera Peak once the weather improves.
Meanwhile, a porter for a tourist died of altitude sickness in the Mera Peak area. The deceased has been identified as Jeevan Kulung, 25, of Chachalung of Mahakulung Rural Municipality-5, according to the District Police Office, Solukhumbu.
The tourist helper was caught by altitude sickness at Thangna while returning from the Mera Peak. Police Inspector Om Prakash Yadav said that information about the company that had arranged his trip is yet unknown. Further details about the incident are awaited as it will take three days to reach the site. Moreover, the area has a poor communications network, according to Yadav. (RSS)
