Everest authorities tell climbers to bring back empty oxygen cylinders amid Nepal’s Covid shortage

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy In a desperate plea to Everest climbers, the Nepal Mountaineering Association has asked them to bring back their empty oxygen canisters instead of abandoning them, amidst depleting oxygen supply in the country battling coronavirus. Kul Bahadur Gurung, a senior official with the Nepal Mountaineering Association told the media: “These bottles often get buried in avalanches or are abandoned on the mountain slopes at the end of the expedition. This is our urgent need.” He added: “We also need oxygen plants, compressors and ICU beds urgently.” open image in gallery Meanwhile, Nepal has asked China to send 20,000 cylinders, some of which will be airlifted to meet urgent needs, another official told the media. Health and Population Minister Hridayesh Tripathi said: “China has pledged to provide oxygen cylinders, ventilators and other medical supplies.” On Mount Everest, China is also setting up a “separation line” to avoid possible Covid-19 infections by climbers.