Muhammad Illaham (right) during the flag handover ceremony for the Mount Denali, Alaska Expedition. Photo from Kelab Jelajah Alpine's Facebook.
KUALA LUMPUR: The latest update from the Alpine Club Malaysia's Facebook page reveal an intense rescue operation for two Malaysians trapped on an Alaskan mountain as they fight for their survival in subzero conditions.
As of 3.15pm Malaysian time, Zainudin Lot and Zulfikli Yusuf were reported to be hunkering down in the same location, known as the "Football Field," at an altitude of 19,000 feet.
The duo are taking shelter in a snow cave as rescue efforts are underway.
According to the club, park rangers are on high alert for favourable weather conditions that would allow a rescue helicopter to fly.
Meanwhile, the rangers have supplied the stranded climbers with food, tents, stoves, fuel, and sleeping bags in anticipation of the severe weather conditions.
"We are hopeful for improved weather today so that they can be evacuated swiftly," the statement read.
"With the supplies delivered, we hope they can endure until they are rescued successfully.
"Temperatures in this area can plummet to -30°C in strong winds," it said.
Meanwhile, Illaham Ishak, the third member of the climbers who had been rescued earlier, remains in the hospital for treatment.
The club urged fellow Malaysians to join them in praying for the safety of the stranded climbers.
The consular office of Malaysia in Los Angeles has been informed of this incident.
