Mount Everest Base Camp Destroyed By Avalanche Triggered By Nepal Earthquake, Multiple Deaths [Video]

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal has caused widespread destruction. One of the Mount Everest base camps was completely destroyed by an avalanche triggered by the earthquake, which has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. Hundreds of climbers are now stranded in a secondary base camp where ice falls and avalanches are still a threat. Those at the “safer” camp have reported that numerous parties of the injured are fleeing to the area and that at least 18 bodies have been found.

In the video above, a mountaineer speaks about the devastation he is seeing and notes that quite a few big avalanches have been coming down and sweeping over the camp. He also says that rockfalls are a problem in the area. The mountaineer says that though most of his team is okay, injured climbers continue to come into the camp for help.

The Daily Mail reports that at least 18 people have died on Mount Everest, with more feared dead. Climber Alex Gavan from Romania has taken to Twitter to discuss what he is seeing and says there is mass devastation with numerous hurt, with many facing life-threatening injuries. He notes that it is vital for helicopter rescues to make their way to the mountain before others pass from their injuries.

“Everest basecamp huge earthquake then huge avalanche from Pumori. Running for life from my tent. Unhurt. Many, many people up the mountain. Huge disaster. Helped searched and rescued victims through huge debris area. Many dead. Much more badly injured. More to die if not heli asap.”

One Everest climber and blogger, Carsten Lillelund Pedersen, was at the base camp when the first earthquake and avalanche hit the site. He has been providing a constant stream of updates from the mountain including harrowing pictures from those trapped on the mountainside. Carsten notes that the dining tents were transformed into makeshift hospitals. He also reports that aftershock earthquakes are still continuing in the region, and avalanches are still a major threat. Carsten points out that many of the injured are making their way to the camp but that the sherpas fear many will be found dead, trapped in their base camp tents.

“We are starting to receive the injured, the most severe of them with many fractures, he was blown away by the avalanche and broke both legs. For the camps closer to where the avalanche hit, our Sherpas believe that a lot of people may have been buried in their tents.”