KATHMANDU, May 8: The Eco Everest Expedition team led by ace climber Appa Sherpa wa*** by an avalanche Thursday afternoon, officials say.

One high al***ude Sherpa climber, who officials are still trying to identify, went missing after being trapped under snow, according to Surendra Sapkota, official at the Mountaineering Division.

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 western climbers, who were trapped under the snow, have been rescued,” Sapkota said.

Asain Trekking that organized the expedition said it is awaiting details from expedition members.

“At the moment, all we can say is that a high al***ude Sherpa climber went missing after the avalanche. Appa Sherpa and other expedition members are safe,” said Sanjaya Baral of Asian Trekking.

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 ac***ulating 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.

Article Source: www.myrepublica.com