Choppers reach Everest to rescue victims

Several helicopters have landed at Mount Everest base camp to rescue victims of an avalanche that has killed at least 17 people.

"People being stretchered out as choppers land - half a dozen this morning," AFP's Nepal bureau chief Ammu Kannampilly said in a text message.

"Weather clear, some snowfall."

A senior trekking guide sais earlier that at least 17 people were killed after the avalanche was triggered by Nepal's massive earthquake slammed into the Everest base camp.

Another 61 people have been injured.

Ang Tshering of the Nepal Mountaineering Association said early on Sunday that 22 of the seriously injured have been taken by helicopter to Pheriche village, the nearest medical facility.

Tshering says the avalanche began on Saturday on Mount Kumori, a 7,000-metre-high mountain just a few kilometres from Everest, gathering strength as it headed toward the base camp where climbing expeditions have been preparing to make their summit attempts.