2014 Mount Everest ice avalanche
| Date | 18 April 2014 |
|---|---|
| Time | 06:45 local time (01:00 UTC) |
| Location | Khumbu Icefall, Mount Everest |
| Coordinates | 27°59′32″N 86°52′38″E / 27.99222°N 86.87722°E |
| Cause | Avalanche |
| Deaths | 13[1] |
| Non-fatal injuries | 4 |
| Missing | 3[1] |
On 18 April 2014, an avalanche on Mount Everest near Everest Base Camp killed at least thirteen Nepalese guides. As of 19 April, three others were missing.
Overview
| Dead |
|---|
| Mingma Nuru Sherpa |
| Dorji Sherpa |
| Ang Tshiri Sherpa |
| Nima Sherpa |
| Phurba Ongyal Sherpa |
| Lakpa Tenjing Sherpa |
| Chhiring Ongchu Sherpa |
| Dorjee Khatri |
| Then Dorjee Sherpa |
| Phur Temba Sherpa |
| Pasang Karma Sherpa |
| Asman Tamang |
| Missing |
| Tenzing Chottar Sherpa |
| Ankaji Sherpa |
| Pem Tenji Sherpa |
| Ash Bahadur Gurung |
At approximately 06:45 local time (01:00 UTC), an avalanche occurred on the southern side of Mount Everest at an elevation of approximately 19,000 feet (5,800 m).[3] The area, known locally as "the Golden Gate" or "popcorn field", lies within the Khumbu Icefall.[2][3] The presence of numerous unstable seracs in the icefield means that climbers try to pass through it as quickly as possible, usually in the early morning before temperatures rise. Approximately 30 men, most of them Sherpa guides, were buried in the avalanche.[2] The group had been fixing ropes and otherwise preparing the South Col route for fee-paying climbers during the upcoming climbing season. The guides must find and maintain a new path through the area in question each year, as conditions there change regularly.[4]
A guide typically earns about US$125 per climb. Most come from families of climbers, are raised on stories of wealth earned from climbing, and have few other economic opportunities. Between 350 and 450 guides, most of them Sherpas, are employed each year during the climbing season. However, in recent years, foreigners have begun bringing in their own guides, causing tension with the locals.[2] Eight people died on Everest in 2013, including one of the most experienced Sherpa guides.[4][5]
Victims
At least 13 people were killed in the avalanche.[1] Four of the dead were Sherpas from the Solukhumbu District of Nepal.[6] Five of the dead were working for the Discovery Channel in preparation for an upcoming special in which Joby Ogwyn will attempt to base jump from the mountain.[5] No foreigners were killed.[2] According to mountaineer Tim Rippel, the victims were moving slowly and carrying large "loads of equipment, tents, stoves, oxygen and so on up to stock camps" at the time of the disaster.[2] The guides had started out early in the morning, as they prepared for the height of the climbing season in May, but were delayed by poor climbing conditions.[4][5] Four guides were injured badly enough to require hospitalisation.[5]
The second unit crew of a disaster film called Everest were filming in the area, but suffered no injuries or fatalities. Sherpas who were involved with the film's production gave their assistance after the avalanche struck.[7]
While more than 200 people have died whilst climbing Mount Everest, this incident was the single deadliest in the mountain's history, superseding the 1996 disaster in which eight foreign climbers died.[8]
Aftermath
Rippel reported that "everyone is shaken here at base camp." Some climbers packed up their stuff and left.[2] The Nepalese government has announced a compensation of Nepali Rs. 40,000 ($400) each as immediate relief to the next of kin of the victims.[6]
References
- ^ a b c "Everest avalanche: Search continues for missing guides". BBC News. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ellen Barry; Graham Bowlet (18 April 2014). "Deadliest Day: Sherpas Bear Everest's Risks". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ a b "Everest avalanche kills at least 12 Sherpa guides". BBC News. 18 April 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ a b c Burke, Jason; Rauniyar, Ishwar (18 April 2014). "Mount Everest avalanche leaves at least 12 Nepalese climbers dead". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Twelve Dead in Mount Everest Avalanche". Daily Telegraph. Australia. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ a b "12+ Trekkers killed Avalanche hits Mt. Everest Base Camp in Nepal". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ Fleming Jr, Mike (18 April 2014). "'Everest' Movie Crew OK After Tragic Avalanche". deadline.com. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
- ^ "Mount Everest's 'Deadliest Avalanche' Kills 12". Sky News. 18 April 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
