Everest Expeditions Cancelled This Year Too
The avalanche triggered by the recent 7.9 magnitude earthquake has killed 19 climbers, high altitude guides and helpers at base camp and Khumbu Icefall on 25th of April. There were also several injured cases. The monsoon season is also approaching and there wouldn’t be enough time for Everest expedition preparations according to Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC).
The icefall doctors team and SPCC chairperson conducted a survey at Everest base camp and advised Tourism Ministry not to take further risks. The SPCC has also recommended that the government extend climbing permits for the 2015 Everest aspirants until 2016, or further into the future. The climbing season was cancelled last year after an avalanche on April 18 killed 16 high-altitude guides.
All the medical rescue teams along Himalayan Rescue Association have left Base camp for this season therefore it is not advised to carry on the expedition without medical support and emergencies. Due to continuous aftershock and unstable icefall there is high degree of risks involved.
The SPCC further said that a majority of the climbers have already called off their expeditions and many of the Icefall Doctors, as well as the local support staff in the remaining expedition teams, have suffered deaths in the family or injuries as well as earthquake-related damage to property, and that they need to be with their communities at this time.
It is expected that Everest base camp will continue with even more passion and energy in the coming trekking season. It is anticipated that embarking Everest base camp trek next season will help rebuild local Sherpa communities for long term.
