Mount Everest records dangerous climbing season

Climbers conquer Mount Everest in Nepal. Photo: AFP/VNA

Although only halfway through 2023, the Everest routes have already seen 12 climbers die and 5 injured. Among them are 10 foreigners - the highest number recorded in history, along with 7 Nepalese guides and workers on the mountain.

Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, a member of Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition, a company that organizes Everest climbing tours, said the climbing season this year has been quite bad. The main reason is the extremely cold weather, as well as the carelessness of climbers. Mingma said this year was the coldest season he has ever experienced, with temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees Celsius at times, much lower than the average minus 28 degrees Celsius.

Some say climate change has brought more extreme weather and temperatures. More and more climbers are dying or going missing at icy altitudes. Others are suffering frostbite or infections from pulmonary edema, a respiratory condition caused by too much fluid in the lungs.

Many foreign climbers were found to be physically and mentally unprepared for the grueling journey. Mingma said the icy weather and cold winds hampered the delivery of supplies to the high-altitude stations, but many tourists lost patience and continued their journey.

In addition, the rapid growth of the mountaineering industry has created fierce competition among companies, raising concerns about cutting corners on safety standards. Lukas Furtenbach, head of Austria-based Furtenbach Adventures, said most deaths could be avoided if tourists followed mandatory safety standards, especially safety standards and oxygen transport.

The issue of local guides is also a significant factor. They are considered the backbone of the climbing operation and are constantly exposed to danger while transporting equipment, food, fixing climbing ropes and fixing climbing ladders. The increased demand for rescues on Everest means more staff are needed. But the local Sherpas appear to be physically and mentally exhausted, and some have quit, putting even more pressure on those who remain.

In 2014, 16 Nepalese guides died in an avalanche, forcing authorities to ban the climb. In 2015, a devastating earthquake killed 18 climbers and nearly 9,000 others in Nepal. An estimated five climbers die each year from lack of oxygen while trying to reach the summit of Everest.

Source: https://dttg.baotainguyenmoitruong.vn/dinh-everest-ghi-nhan-mua-leo-nui-nguy-hiem-359514.html