The worst accident in the history of Everest mountaineering occurred Friday, 18th April's morning on the South side of the world's highest peak.
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| Khumbu Icefall; ©mountainsoftravelphotos.com |
At around 6.45 am Nepali time, an avalanche occurred on the southern side of Mt. Everest, at an elevation of approximately 5,800 mts. The accident zone, famous as 'The Golden Gate/Popcorn Field' lies in the khumbu Icefall. Khumbu Icefall has numerous unstable seracs and the Clibers need to hurry to pass them as quickly as possible. The most suitable time to pass them is around early mornings before the sun rises and temperature goes up. The disastrous accident occured when a large Serac broke off from the slopes of the western shoulder of Mt. Everest, right above the Khumbu Icefall. 25 Sherpa guides were buried by the avalanche. They were busy fixing ropes and preparing the South Col route for their clients.
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| Seracs; © beyondak.com |
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| Hanging seracs ©summitpost.org |
Sherpa guides have a challenging task to find and maintain a new route through the Icefall every year. Since they are the ones who are quite familiar with the Moutains, they take up such risky tasks and they are the ones who face the danger first.
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© Nat Geo
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Sherpas take up one of the most dangerous tasks in the world. If you want to support them and their families, here are some links.
Thank you.
Sherpa Education Fund
Himalayan Trust
The Juniper Fund
American Alpine Club
(P.S. Please share if you believe they should be supported for the families and people they leave behind for the sake of other peoples' safety.)
(Text, video and image compiled from internet)
Hear from the Climbers who actually witnessed the tragedy.
Paul Valin's testimony
Joby Ogywn's testimony
Read more on Everest:
Jon Kraukauer
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