Mountain climber dies of frostbite

TEMANGGUNG, Central Java: Mountain climber Suprihatin died of frostbite in her attempted ascent of Mount Sindoro here over the weekend.

The body of the 21-year-old university student was evacuated and handed over to her family for burial in her hometown of Yogyakarta on Sunday, Antara reported.

Rescue workers said Suprihatin was unable to endure the freezing temperature, estimated at minus 10 degrees Celsius. Her friends' attempt to revive her were to no avail.

Suprihatin joined dozens of mountain climbers and pilgrims who ascended Sindoro and its twin peak Sumbing on the eve of the Islamic New Year. The holiday is also celebrated as the new year on the Javanese calendar and two peaks are considered sacred by some Javanese.

Heavy rain halted many of the people in their attempt.