Some 50 South Africans are currently in quake-devastated Nepal but this figure may increase as the Department of International Relations (DIRCO) works to account for more SA citizens.

“We don’t have a specific figure because information is difficult with people in Nepal due to the breakdown in communication,” said DIRCO spokesperson Nelson Kgwete.

The South African government is working with authorities in neighbouring countries such as India and other foreign nations because it does not have an embassy in Nepal. DIRCO is using diplomatic channels to coordinate assistance to South African citizens affected by the earthquake.

There are SA rescue teams travelling to Nepal with the assistance of the SA government and DIRCO is also supporting them in their rescue missions.

“The South African Police Service is providing assistance to the rescue mission and from our side, we also provided logistical support in terms of facilitating access for the rescue teams to reach Nepal.”

Kgwete said the South Africans who have contacted DIRCO are safe. The department is aware of a South African who has sustained injuries but is in a “stable condition”.

“We do not rule out the fact that more could be affected. So we will wait for the rescue officials and other officials to get reliable information before we speculate on the injuries or loss of life.”

DIRCO has made contact with various South African families to obtain information on the whereabouts of their relatives. Kgwete appealed to other families to make contact with the department and provide information that may assist in getting all South Africans to safety.

10 South Africans are reported to have been trapped on Mount Everest in Nepal after an avalanche occurred as a result of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

The Ubuntu group stated that 10 South Africans were scattered in camp bases at Everest, Camp base 1 and 2 in the facinity.

An inspirational story is that of 43 year old Joburger Saray Khumalo. Being the first black female to climb Everest, the earthquake hit her unexpectedly. She is reported to be trapped in the earthquake.

On Sunday she had sent an sms and a Facebook update stating that the earthquake had happened but that she was safe.

“All good but weather bad. What a day I had yesterday. Earthquake and multiple avalanches and I was on a shaking glacier between camps 1 and 2 at 11:50 with a Sherpa. Going back we found the craves had swallowed the ladder and in the heavy snow we got lost. Arrived safe back at Camp 2 shaking like a leaf. Waiting for the ice doctors (that is the Sherpas that fix the ropes and ladders that the climbers use) to fix the way. Still climbing with a purpose,” said Khumalo.

Over 5000 people are said to have lost their lives and the death toll is expected to mount.

The other South Africans in the group are Lysle Turner, Ronnie Muhl, Donna McTaggart, Elizabeth Bool, the adventurer Sean Wisedale, Marlette Hegyi, Wilmien van der Merwe, Nico Oosthuizen and Katlego Letheo.

“They are still trapped but are safe,” the Ubuntu group stated in a facebook update.

Some climbers have been rescued by a rescue team and have been lifted by helicopter off the mountain. VOC