Climbers fall ill as 2 die on mountain

At least 30 mountaineers said to be sick or frostbitten on Mount Qomolangma

Some 30 climbers have developed frostbite or become sick near the summit of Mount Qomolangma, an official said on Sunday, after two deaths from apparent altitude sickness in recent days highlighted the risks on the world's highest mountain.

Most of the sick climbers suffered frostbite while attempting to reach the summit or on their descent, Mountaineering Department official Gyanendra Shrestha said. Favorable weather has allowed nearly 400 climbers to reach the summit from Nepal since May 11, but the altitude, weather and harsh terrain can cause problems at any time.