Huge Avalanche Kills Everest Sherpa

Sad news from Everest where reports say that a Sherpa has died after a massive avalanche swept down the lower Khumbu Icefall just above Base Camp.

One first hand  account say that the avalanche came down from the western shoulder of the mountain while a number of teams were making their way through the notoriously hazardous icefall area. The whole avalanche was visible from base camp and triggered a rescue effort with both Sherpas and western mountaineers rushing up to help shaken climbers several of whom had been swept into crevasses by the avalanche.

Sadly one Sherpa seems to be unaccounted for and is believed to be the first climber to have died on Everest this year. In addition a number of western climbers were injured one of them apparently quite seriously.

This video gives a graphic idea of the power of the avalanche and how close it is to Base Camp.


There are also still photos at www.onorbit.com/node/994

You can find the latest news direct from Everest at www.everestnews.com