15 Qomolangma avalanche victims identified

This file photo taken on May 18, 2003 shows climbers make their way on the Mount Qomolangma. fifteen of the 19 climbers confirmed dead have been identified.  [Photo/Xinhua]

KATHMANDU - The 15 people killed in a massive avalanche in the world's highest Mount Qomolangma triggered by a powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Nepal have been identified.

"Among the 15 nationals identified, ten are Nepalese and five are foreigners," an official from the Department of Tourism said on Thursday.

Though 19 climbers and trekkers have been reportedly killed in the avalanche, only 15 have been identified so far.

"Nepalese who died in the base camp have been identified as Lakpa Chhiring Sherpa, Shiva Kumar Shrestha, Pema Hisi Sherpa, Dawa Chhiri Sherpa, Pemba Sherpa, Chhimi Dawa Sherpa, Milan Rai, Pasang Temba Sherpa, Krishna Kumar Rai and Tenjing Bhote," Director General at the Department of Tourism Tulsi Prasad Gautam told Xinhua.

The five foreign nationals killed in Qomolangma are Australian Renu Fotedar, two Americans Dan Fredinburg, a Google executive, and Marisa Eve Girawong, Chinese national Ji Jenfang and a Japanese Yomagato Horosi.

The spring climbing season just began in the Himalayan nation when the disaster occurred on Saturday. A total of 370 climbers had got permits from the Department of Tourism. An avalanche in the region killed 16 Sherpa guides in April last year.