Plans to Rescue Everest Climbers Continue after Nepal Quake

Plans to Rescue Everest Climbers Continue after Nepal Quake

Dozens are still thought to be trapped at Camp One or above after their route was blocked following the devastating 7.8 Magnitude Nepal Earthquake that killed at least 4,000 people.

Many managed to escape to Base Camp earlier in a five-hour window during which a helicopter took off two people at a time.

However, deteriorating weather conditions have meant many were unable to be evacuated, leaving them to spend a third night on the world's highest peak.

Sam and Alex Chappette, who are stranded at Camp One at 6,050m and have been tweeting updates, said earlier: "There is a mass exodus from camps 1 and 2, never seen so many choppers."

 

Avalanche roared

Later, they tweeted: "We are the last team on the hill now. Looks like its over… Again. Trying to get a chopper via @thebmc."

The last tweet about their situation said: "Fog has crept up the valley. Pat and Jim optimistically waiting by the pick up point. Still no news from @Thebmc so we wait."

Another British climber at the same camp Daniel Mazur tweeted: "Helicopters flew to #Everest C1 today, rescuing stranded climbers and Sherpas. @ 1:30pm, clouds and No more helis. Hope for tomorrow."

At least 18 people were killed at the camp as the avalanche roared in.

The deaths made it the mountain's deadliest disaster to date.

The tent village, in a valley below a series of peaks and ridges, is at the end of a popular three-week trekking route and is also the point of departure for those intending to climb higher.

Fourteen members of a British Army Gurkha regiment expedition and their sherpas were evacuated from Camp One earlier and flown to Base Camp where they are helping others.

By Musalia Wycliffe

Courtesy: Sky News

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories