Avalanche triggered by Nepal earthquake sweeps Everest base camp, killing at least 17

[caption id=“attachment_2213488” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] Tents are seen set up for climbers on the Khumbu Glacier, with Mount Khumbutse (center) and Khumbu Icefall (right) seen in background, at Everest Base Camp in Nepal. An avalanche triggered by a massive earthquake in Nepal smashed into a base camp between the Khumbu Icefall, a notoriously treacherous rugged area of collapsed ice and snow, and the base camp where most climbing expeditions are. AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2213474” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] In this photo provided by Azim Afif a man approaches the scene after an avalanche triggered by a massive earthquake swept across Everest Base Camp, Nepal on Saturday. Afif and his team of four others from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) all survived the avalanche. Azim Afif via AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2213480” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] At least 17 bodies have been recovered at the base camp on Mount Everest where hundreds of climbers, including many foreigners, are still stranded. Azim Afif via AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2213478” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] More than 60 climbers were injured and hundreds of foreign adventurers, hikers and guides at the base camp were feared missing when the avalanche swept down the Everest and buried under snow a section of the mountaineering camp yesterday. Azim Afif via AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2213476” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] Twenty-two of the most seriously injured climbers were today ferried by helicopters, including from the Indian Air Force, to Pheriche village, the nearest medical facility, though bad weather is hampering rescue and relief operations. Azim Afif via AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2213482” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] There were more than 100 climbers also at camps 1 and 2 on Mount Everest, above the base camp, and all are reported safe, Nepal Mountaineering Association officials said. Azim Afif via AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2213484” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] This photo shows nightfall after the avalanche. Tourism ministry officials estimated that at least 1,000 climbers, including about 400 foreigners, had been at the base camp when Nepal’s worst earthquake in 80 years. Azim Afif via AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2213486” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] Climbers and guides carry an injured after an avalanche struck Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The avalanche began on Mount Kumori, a 7,000-meter-high mountain just a few miles from Everest, and gained strength as it headed downwards towards the base camp, flattening at least 30 tents. AP[/caption]