SIX climbers have died and an unknown number still missing after an avalanche on Mount Qomolangma or Mount Everest early Friday, officials said Friday.

Most of those who died were Nepali Sherpas who were making technical preparations for the climbing season due to begin next week, China’s Xinhua news agency reported.

“The climbers were busy making preparations like fixing ropes and died as the avalanche hit them,” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association.

Four bodies have been recovered and taken to a base camp while rescue work is ongoing to locate the others.

Continuous snowfall on the world’s highest mountain affected preparation work undertaken by climbers last week.

-BERNAMA