DHAKA: Rescuers searched Mount Everest for bodies on Saturday as authorities ruled out hope of finding any more survivors from an avalanche that killed at least 12 Nepalese guides in the deadliest accident ever on the world’s highest peak.

Four sherpas were still missing from Friday’s avalanche.

The victims were among a large party of sherpas who left Everest base camp before dawn, carrying tents, food and ropes to prepare camps for foreign clients ahead of the main climbing season starting later this month.

Nepal tourism ministry official Dipendra Paudel said search teams were trying to locate bodies buried under snow, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1328 HRS, APR 19, 2014