Mount Qomolangma avalanche kills at least 12

At least 12 Nepalese have suffered untimely death after being swept away by avalanche in world's tallest mountainous region of Nepal, government staffs confirmed late Friday. An avalanche hit Khubuche area near Camp 1 of Mount Qomolangma, also known as Everest, at around 5:30 a.m. local time. All deceased are local Sherpa guides who were making technical preparations for climbing season beginning next week when the avalanche hit them. All the 12 deceased have been identified by the government, and the bodies have been brought down to the mountain's base camp through chopper, said sources. According to Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), two of the injured in the accident have been airlifted to the capital Kathmandu for further treatment while others are undergoing treatment in a local hospital at Lukla, an adjoining district to the gateway to the mountain. So far, no foreigner has been reported dead. Meanwhile, rescue operation was hampered due to continuous snowfall. "We have to wait at least until 10 a.m. tomorrow to get full detail of the accident," said Lamakaji Shrepa, general secretary of SPCC. According to the SPCC, the deceased and injured came to the expedition through different trekking agencies.