By Matt Underwood Almost 1,000 trapped on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest by blizzard, the initial headline certainly paints a dramatic picture, doesn’t it? However, it’s important to remember that the situation is more nuanced than a simple “everyone’s trapped” scenario. The actual numbers trapped are in the surrounding villages, not climbers themselves, and these people are waiting out the blizzard from a safe distance.
The immediate concern, as always, is for safety and well-being. While the headline focuses on Everest, the larger storm system has wreaked havoc across the region. There’s news of fatalities in Nepal due to landslides, and in India due to flooding. Hopefully, those in the villages and the base camps are well-supplied, and the “Friendship Road” reopens soon.
Regarding the motivations of those who are stuck, it’s interesting to note that not everyone there is a climber. A lot of people are just there to see the mountain from a safe distance. And when we think about the climbers themselves, the allure of Everest is undeniable. It’s the highest point on Earth, a challenge, a test of human endurance. Many dream of conquering its summit.
For some, the financial investment and risk of a climb seem excessive. There’s the cost, the inherent dangers of extreme altitude, and the ever-present threat of the elements. Yet, for those driven to climb, the appeal is undeniable. It’s about conquering a challenge, pushing boundaries, and experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of the high mountains. It’s really easy to understand, you don’t need to understand every person’s perspective. It’s a bucket list item for many and it brings money into a poor country. They do it because it is simultaneously the highest mountain in the world and one of the easier climbs out of the big peaks.
It seems that there are those that find the climb to be almost Disney-esque at times, a long queue for the ride of a lifetime. But this may also mean there are more people in the area than expected and potentially more that will require rescue.
The timing also raises questions. The climbing window is typically in May. So, what are people doing there in October? It’s probably not summit season, but rather visitors waiting out the storm in base camps and villages.
There is a lot of discussion about how these events relate to earlier Everest disasters. In the past, the number of people involved in these emergencies has been much smaller, so this event is quite alarming. However, the location of the incident and the fact it’s not climbing season is a key detail in the situation.
Also of concern is that there have been multiple reports of lightning strikes in the area. It is always a good idea to remember the importance of safety when caught in a storm.
The roads on the Nepalese side have been washed away, but the roads on the Tibetan side seem to be holding up better, thanks to their sturdier construction and the rain shadow. The people there haven’t seemed too perturbed, and are just hunkering down.
Ultimately, whether you’re a climber, a local, or a tourist, the power of nature is on full display here. It’s a reminder that the mountains demand respect, and the weather can change in an instant. This situation, whatever the scope may be, hopefully everyone will stay safe and make it out alright.