With each passing day, the areas, so far untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic, are now coming under its grip. One of the highest peaks of the world and base camps are no more exceptions. Around 13 climbers, all Covid positive- from the base camp of the Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh-highest peaks- have been evacuated. 

According to a report in The Himalayan Times, about 15 people, including climbers and sherpas, have been airlifted from the Dhaulagiri base camp in the last two days. Five of them are already being treated in a hospital in the capital’s Kathmandu. 

This comes after 10 climbers were earlier tested positive for the COVID-19 in the Everest base camp. The report claimed around 1500 people are still stationed in the camp. 

The evacuation drive started after some of the climbers tested positive in the Dhaulagiri base camp, confirmed a medical team of the Nepali Army, which was stationed at the camp. 

"The Situation is very scary here," a climber, who was in the camp, was quoted as saying by The Himalayan Times. Over 133 people, many among them are foreigners, had given permits this time for the Dhaulagiri peak. The whole base camp has now been turned into an isolation facility, with people from different camps aren’t allowed to mingle with each other.  

Medical teams are assessing the situation, and expecting a further increase in numbers. They are also discussing plans to send emergency supplies like oxygen cylinders there. 
 
In the last season, the mountaineering was kept closed for most period of the year, resulting in a loss of revenue for the government. (SAM)