Nepal earthquake causes avalanche to bury dozens on Mount Everest

(Baonghean) - The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred on April 25 in the northwest area of ​​Kathmandu, Nepal, killed more than 1,000 people and also affected the Mount Everest area. The result was an avalanche that buried the lives of dozens of climbers.

The earthquake in Nepal occurred at a time when many climbers were trying to conquer Mount Everest. Photo: AFP

An avalanche that started in Khumbu at an altitude of 5,484 meters (18,000 feet) buried a base camp on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest, Nepalese authorities said. At least 18 people were killed in the avalanche, according to the Nepalese Ministry of Tourism. Most of the victims were foreigners, and their nationalities are still unknown.

At this point, authorities have not been able to determine the death toll due to the lack of telephone service. According to preliminary estimates, there are about 700 Everest climbers in Solukhumbhu district, including 300 at the Everest base camp and another 300 at the foot of the mountain.

Witnesses said the avalanche occurred at around 11:45 a.m. local time. The climbers first felt their tents shaking, then the ground shook more and more, and finally the snow began to collapse. The avalanche left many dead and injured. Witnesses said the death toll would have been higher if rescue helicopters had not arrived.

Nepalese authorities have confirmed at least 10 deaths and said rescue efforts are underway, but heavy snowfall is preventing helicopters from reaching the crash site.

Chu Thanh

According to Le Monde April 25