The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (also known as Qomolangma or Sagarmatha), was hit by the deadliest avalanche in its history on the 18th. Thirteen people have been confirmed dead, three are missing, and four have survived—all of them local Sherpa guides, with no foreigners among the casualties. Although the three missing are believed to have no chance of survival, rescuers continued searching the site on the 19th in hopes of recovering their bodies.
On the morning of the 18th, a group of Sherpa guides, carrying tents, food, and other equipment, set out from Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 meters, heading for Camp 1 at around 5,900 meters. Their goal was to prepare for next month’s climbers by setting up ropes and ladders. However, tragedy struck when they were climbing through the “Popcorn Field” area at approximately 5,800 meters on the southern slope.
The Popcorn Field is named for its location near the perilous Khumbu Icefall, where massive chunks of ice and icicles often fall from above. As the Sherpa guides were passing through this area at around 6:30 a.m., an avalanche suddenly struck, sending ice blocks and icicles plummeting down. At the time, around 100 climbers and guides had already passed through the Icefall and rushed over immediately to help.
Rescuers recovered 12 bodies from the snow and ice on the 18th, which were then airlifted off the mountain by helicopter. Seven of the bodies were returned to their families, while five were taken to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, for proper arrangements. The four survivors suffered injuries including broken ribs, fractured limbs, punctured lungs, and multiple lacerations, and were sent to various hospitals for treatment. On the 19th, the 13th body was recovered. The Nepali government announced it would provide $400 in funeral assistance to the family of each deceased guide.
A surviving Sherpa guide, Dawa, still shaken, said, “I don’t know how I survived.” He added, “The avalanche happened out of nowhere—huge chunks of snow came crashing down toward us.”
The accident occurred at the very start of the climbing season. After the news broke, anxiety spread through Base Camp, with some climbers deciding to abandon their summit attempts, while others chose to consult with their guides before making a decision.
In recent years, the number of climbers attempting Everest has risen steadily. This season, the Nepali government has issued permits to 334 foreign climbers. The deadliest previous disaster on Everest took place in 1966. Since the mountain was first summited by humans in 1953, more than 300 people have lost their lives on Everest, most of them Sherpa guides.