Two climbers, one from Philippines and one from India, have died on Mount Everest, the first fatalities of the current March – May climbing season, according to Nepalese hiking officials on Friday.
Also read; Finland charges Simon Ekpa with inciting terrorism
The first death happened late on Wednesday at the South Col – the fourth high camp on the accent to the peak of Mount Everest. 45-year-old Philipp II Santiago from the Philippines died while ascending the mountain. According to tourism department official Himal Gautam, Santiago appeared extremely fatigued upon reaching the camp and passed away while resting in his tent.
45-year-old Indian climber, Subrata Ghosh died on Thursday below the Hillary Step while descending after successfully reaching the summit of the 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) peak. He reportedly refused to descend from the area, which lies in Everest’s notorious “death zone” — the section above 8,000 metres where oxygen levels are dangerously low.
Both men were part of an international expedition led by Bhandari’s company.
Bodhraj Bhandari of Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition said efforts are underway to bring the body of Subrata Ghosh down to base camp. Adding that the cause of his death will be known only after post-mortem.
Nepal, which heavily relies on mountain tourism as a source of income and employment, has issued 459 climbing permits for Everest this season. Nearly 100 climbers and guides have successfully summited the peak this week alone.
Himalayan Database and local officials say that at least 345 people have lost their lives on the mountain since expeditions on Everest began over a century ago.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
