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Eight Mountaineers Missing in Himalayas

Nanda Devi

While the Himalayan climbing season has had a few highlights, it has been overshadowed by tragedy in the mountains. Now, eight climbers are missing in the Nanda Devi area with some suggesting they’ve been caught in an avalanche.

In the group are two Americans, an Australian, an Indian guide and four British climbers. “We have activated resources to trace the climbers after they failed to return to the base camp, but bad weather is hindering the operation,” Vijay Kumar Jogdande, a magistrate in Pithoragarh district, told AFP news agency.

The group was hoping to climb Nanda Devi East, an 7,434-metre peak and other peaks in the area. The last update on Moran’s company page read from May 22 read, “The Nanda Devi team has reached their second base camp at 4,870m, their home for the next week. After a recce of the route, they will be making a summit attempt on an unclimbed peak at 6,477m.” They were expected back yesterday.

The British Mount Guide president, Mark Charlton, said, “Incident Nanda Devi East: The British Association of Mountain Guides have been made aware of an incident on or near Nanda Devi East where BMG member, IFMGA Mountain Guide, Martin Moran was leading six clients and an Indian National. The BMG is assisting where possible and is in contact with the Indian authorities.

“At the moment this is all the information we have as communication is very difficult. We will update this post when more reliable facts have been established.”

An update from the guiding company Moran Mountain on June 1, said, “On behalf of Moran Mountain, we are working with the authorities and the British Association of Mountain Guides to gather information regarding the Nanda Devi East expedition team. Out of respect for those involved and their families, we will be making no further comments at this time.

“The BMG will release a further statement as and when more information is available. Thank you for your continued support.”

At least 11 climbers died on Everest this season and 21 in the Himalayas, before this situation. We’ll update the story as soon as there is more information.

Nanda Devi
Nanda Devi / Wikipedia Commons

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