Climbers Die in Avalanche in Ecuador, and from Altitude in Nepal
Heavy snowfall and bad weather resulted in accidents on Chimborazo and Mera Peak
Climbers have returned in big groups to many of the world’s highest peaks, which has resulted in a number of rescues and deaths of late.
An avalanche on Ecuador’s highest peak, Chimborazo at 6,263 metres, has killed four climbers and injured one. It took place on Oct. 24. A team of 12 was approaching a false summit when the snow slide took place.
The avalanche was a result of recent heavy snows on the massive inactive volcano. The upper slopes are between 30 and 35 degrees, and as Avalanche Canada notes, “Most avalanches occur on slopes that have an incline of 30-45 degrees ‒ about the steepness of a black diamond run at a ski hill, and favourite terrain for backcountry skiers and riders.”
The last eruption was nearly 1,500 years. Chimborazo is climbed a lot, and the last deadly avalanche was in 1994 when 10 climbers were killed.
Climbers Rescued, One Dies in Nepal
On Mera Peak (6,476 m), a porter died of altitude sickness and a storm trapped a number of people for two days. Five climbers including four foreigners and a Nepali guide who were stranded were rescued this weekend, said the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
“The climbers were stranded on the mountain while returning after reaching the peak. They were rescued on Tuesday and brought to the capital Kathmandu on a helicopter. They are receiving treatment at Kathmandu-based Grande Hospital,” the association said in a press statement.
Another Nepali climber with the expedition team is still missing, said the association which issues climbing permits for 27 Himalayan mountains ranging from 5,800 m to 6,500 m.
“Three climbers including a British national were staying in a cave at the height of 5,600 meters for the last three days, while the others were stranded in the base camp of the mountain,” he said. “Due to bad weather, the rescue team mobilized on foot brought these three climbers out as helicopters could not be used for the search operation.”
For the last few days, Nepal has been experiencing unseasonal rainfalls which triggered floods and landslides, mostly in the eastern and western parts of the country, and snowfalls on the mountains. The landslides and floods have claimed over 100 lives, Nepal Police said in a statement.
Climbers continue to take advantage of better weather this week on Mera Peak, as a number of have summited in the past few days.
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