WORLD / ASIA-PACIFIC
By AFP Published: May 13, 2021 07:48 PM Two climbers from the US and Switzerland have died on Mount Qomolangma, commonly known in the West as Mount Everest, the first fatalities of 2021 s season, expedition organizers in Nepal said on Thursday.
Mount Qomolangma, commonly known in the West as Mount Everest, is seen from the way to Kalapatthar in Nepal, November 12, 2015. Photo: VCGOn average around five climbers die every year on the world s highest peak. But in recent seasons, Qomolangma has seen a surge in the number of climbers, leading to overcrowding that has been blamed for multiple deaths. Two climbers passed away on Wednesday, Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks told AFP.
Puwei Liu, 55, died after returning to the highest camp on the mountain at South Col. Liu made it to the Hillary Step, which is located between South Col and the summit, but had to turn around due to poor weather conditions and exhaustion.
Members of his climbing team helped him back to the camp, but he did not survive.
Another climber, Swiss national
Abdul Waraich, 41, died after reaching the summit of the world s tallest mountain. He was on his way back down the mountain when he ran into trouble. Abdul successfully reached the summit but began experiencing issues during his descent, said
Puwei Liu, 55, from the US, and Abdul Waraich, 41, (pictured) from Switzerland, collapsed while descending the slopes of the mountain on Wednesday, hiking company officials said.
A Swiss climber and an American have died on Mount Everest in the season s first casualties on the world s highest mountain, expedition organisers said Thursday. The Swiss climber, Abdul Waraich, 41, reached the peak before having difficulties, said Chhang Dawa of the expedition organiser, Seven Summit Treks in Nepal. “Abdul successfully reached the summit but began experiencing issues during his descent, he said. “We sent two additional Sherpas with oxygen and food. Unfortunately, the Sherpas couldn’t save him.
Tashi Sherpa/AP
A Swiss climber and an American have died on Mt Everest in the season s first casualties on the world s highest mountain, expedition organisers said Thursday.