On April 25, Nepal was struck by its most powerful earthquake in 80 years, measuring 7.9 in magnitude and only 11 kilometers deep, with the epicenter located 82 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. According to local Nepalese press reports, since the initial quake, at least five avalanches have occurred on Mount Everest. Experts warn that strong aftershocks could strike at any time, making avalanches a ticking time bomb that has left climbers at Everest’s base camp in sheer terror. The terrifying moment of the avalanche was captured on camera by the climbers themselves.
From footage shot by a German climber, it is clear that the quake-triggered avalanche terrified those camping on Everest. Massive snowdrifts and rocks came crashing down from above, prompting hikers to flee in panic, desperately seeking shelter and drenched in sweat. Some were left gasping for breath, while others, after the avalanche subsided, were so shaken their legs gave out and they could barely stand. The video also shows tents buried under thick layers of snow as the entire campsite was swiftly engulfed. While filming, climbers can be heard urging their companions, “Stay together, don’t get separated!” Fortunately, those who took refuge in tents survived the disaster.
However, according to climber Carsten Lillelund Pedersen’s Facebook account of the incident, the force of the avalanche threw people through the air, leaving many with broken legs. Local tourism authorities estimate that at least a thousand climbers were at the base camp or on Everest when the quake hit, and at least 22 have lost their lives.