A devastating avalanche struck Mount Everest last week, marking the deadliest disaster in the mountain’s history. Over twenty Sherpas were caught in the avalanche, with thirteen confirmed dead and three still missing — presumed lost given the harsh weather and treacherous terrain, leading search efforts to be called off. The avalanche occurred early Friday morning at an altitude of approximately 5,800 meters on the Khumbu Glacier. The area, known for its perilous icefalls where massive chunks of ice and seracs frequently break off, is dubbed the "Popcorn Field." (Reported by Xia Mingzhu)
At the time of the accident, over twenty Sherpas were preparing for the upcoming climbing season. Before climbers even begin their ascent, the Sherpas must first make the trek to deliver equipment and supplies to higher base camps, as well as set up ropes and ladders along treacherous sections of the route for climbers to use.
A survivor said they had already noticed instability in the ice before the avalanche struck. Every May is the best time to climb Everest. Hundreds of climbers and guides are already waiting at the base camp, while the Sherpas must head out early to open the route. The Sherpas are an ethnic group from Nepal in the Himalayas, and many make their living as Everest guides.
This once little-known mountain people has now almost become synonymous with Mount Everest. Being a mountain guide has become a traditional profession for the Sherpas. The mountain is fraught with dangers, almost like a death trap, yet the Sherpas have no other job options and continue to risk their lives. Almost every year, Sherpas lose their lives on Everest. The reward for their peril is that the Sherpas, once among the poorest and most isolated people in the world, now enjoy the benefits of modern civilization. Their children can go to school, afford mobile phones, and a so-called middle class has emerged among them.
In fact, Sherpas earn more than most Nepalis. The average annual income for a Nepali is about $700, whereas Sherpas can earn $5,000 during the three-month climbing season.
(CNA)