Search, rescue operations underway for three missing sherpa guides buried in Mt Everest avalanche

KATHMANDU, April 13: The Department of Tourism has reported that air and land search and rescue operations are ongoing for three Sherpa guides who went missing after being buried in an avalanche on the foot of Mt Everest on April 12.

The search and rescue efforts are being conducted in coordination with local authorities, the Mount Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, the Himalayan Rescue Association, the Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition, and the Expedition Operators Association Nepal.

According to the Department Director General, Hom Prasad Luitel, it is increasingly difficult to locate those buried in an avalanche, and additional details about their whereabouts are yet to be confirmed.

The missing Sherpas were identified as Dachhiri Sherpa, Pemba Tenjing Sherpa, and Lakpa Rita Sherpa, who were ferrying materials to construct and clear the route leading to the summit of Mt Everest. So far, 197 climbers from 20 groups have received permission to scale Mt Everest in this spring season, with construction and clearance of the climbing route ongoing.