An avalanche hit Mount Everest the day before yesterday, and 13 Sherpa bodies have been found, while three others remain missing.
This is the deadliest mountaineering disaster in Everest's history. Rescue operations are ongoing, but due to unstable snow conditions, rescue teams must first conduct safety tests before setting up ropes and ladders — a laborious and time-consuming process.
The accident occurred in an area of the Khumbu Icefall known as the "Popcorn Field," where massive ice blocks and seracs often fall, making it an especially dangerous section. On the day of the incident, a total of 20 Sherpas were caught in the avalanche, and only four were rescued.
Every May is the best time to climb Everest. Hundreds of climbers and guides have already gathered at the base camp in advance, but the Sherpas must go ahead first to break trail, set up ropes and ladders, and establish the base camp.
Since 1953, when New Zealand mountaineer (Sir Edmund Hillary) became the first person to conquer Everest, more than 4,000 people worldwide have reached the summit. Before that, the deadliest disaster on Everest occurred in 1996, when eight climbers lost their lives. (Image sourced from the internet)
(Radio Taiwan International)