Kathmandu: Some 30 climbers have developed frostbite or become sick near the summit of Mount Everest, a mountaineering official said on Sunday, after two deaths from apparent altitude sickness in recent days highlighted the risks on the world’s highest mountain.
Most of the sick climbers suffered frostbite while attempting to reach the summit or on their descent, Mountaineering Department official Gyanendra Shrestha said. Favorable weather has allowed nearly 400 climbers to reach the summit from Nepal since May 11, but the altitude, weather and harsh terrain can cause problems at any time.
Several Sherpa guides carried one sick climber from the highest camp, at nearly 8,000 meters (26,240 feet), to camp two, at 6,400 meters (21,000 feet), where attempts are being made to pick her up with a helicopter, said Pemba Sherpa of the Seven Summit Treks agency in Kathmandu.
Seema Goshwami of India had frostbite to her hands and feet at the South Col camp and was unable to move. An Iranian climber identified only as S. Hadi had been brought to Kathmandu and was recovering in a hospital, Sherpa said.
