Two, Including American Mountaineer, Killed In Avalanche On Tibetan Mountain Shishapangma

An American and a Nepalese mountaineer were killed as avalanches hit high on the slopes of the Tibetan mountain Shishapangma, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The incident took place on Saturday when over 50 climbers were making an attempt to reach the summit, Xinhua reported.

The avalanches reportedly struck at elevations of 7,600 metres and 8,000 metres. The deceased have been identified as American climber Anna Gutu and Nepalese guide Mingmar Sherpa. Another American climber, Gina Marie Rzucidlo, and her Sherpa were reported missing.

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Another Nepalese guide Karma, Geljen Sherpa, was seriously hurt on Saturday but was escorted down the mountain by rescuers. A total of 52 climbers were pushing for the summit when the avalanches hit, including from the United States, Britain, Romania, Albania, Italy, Japan and Pakistan, Xinhua said in its report.

(Representative Image. Credits: Canva)

All climbing activity on Shishapangma was suspended due to the unstable snow conditions. October is a popular month for climbers in the Himalayas due to its traditionally more stable conditions as monsoon rain eases.

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Two Pakistani climbers, narrowly escaped the avalanches on Saturday after calling off their summit bid due to poor weather despite coming within a few hundred metres of the peak, Pakistani media reported.