Home > Ice

Everest Earthquake: Canadians Safe After Tragedy

April 26, 2015
Share on SMS

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Nepal triggered an avalanche that killed 17 people. A number of Canadian are in the Everest area and all are reported to be safe.

It’s the deadliest disaster in the history of climbing on the world’s highest peak. There were over 60 people injured and the 22 bodies have been recovered. Three Americans were among those killed, according to the State Department. Throughout Nepal, over 2,500 people have died from the earthquake.

There are an unknown number of climbers still missing. Some reports suggest up to 30 people have not been heard from.

Update: There are 217 climbers missing on Mount Everest.

In this photograph taken on April 25, 2015, a cloud of snow and debris triggered by an earthquake flies towards Everest Base Camp, moments ahead of flattening part of the camp in the Himalayas. Rescuers in Nepal are searching frantically for survivors of a huge quake on April 25, that killed nearly 2,000, digging through rubble in the devastated capital Kathmandu and airlifting victims of an avalanche at Everest base camp. AFP PHOTO/ROBERTO SCHMIDT SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)
In this photograph taken on April 25, 2015, a cloud of snow and debris triggered by an earthquake flies towards Everest Base Camp, moments ahead of flattening part of the camp in the Himalayas. Rescuers in Nepal are searching frantically for survivors of a huge quake on April 25, that killed nearly 2,000, digging through rubble in the devastated capital Kathmandu and airlifting victims of an avalanche at Everest base camp. AFP PHOTO/ROBERTO SCHMIDT SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

There are around 100 climbers at camps one and two on Everest and all are safe. The route off the mountain, the Khumbu Icefall, has been destroyed and avalanches continue to cover the area with snow.

First Footage From Avalanche:

Canadians Nancy Hansen and Raphael Slawinki are on separate expedition on the north side and both are reported to be safe. On the south side, climbers from Alberta, Ontario and Quebec have also reported back to family and friends that they are safe.

A photo of Nancy Hansen taken days before the earthquake in Nepal. Canadian Hansen and Raphael Slawinski are reported to be safe on the north side of Everest. Photo Courtesey of the Alpine Club of Canada
A photo of Nancy Hansen taken days before the earthquake in Nepal. Canadian Hansen and Raphael Slawinski are reported to be safe on the north side of Everest. Update from the AMICAL alpine blog (translation via Google): “Love families and friends of our expeditions Cho Oyu and Everest. After the earthquake this morning in Nepal we were in contact with both groups. All participants are doing very well and all are healthy. All participants are healthy and all is well.” Nancy Hansen and Ralf Dujmovits are with the AMICAL alpine team. Photo and words courtesy of the Alpine Club of Canada

Dylan Sartor, a 19-year-old from Newmarket, Ont. who was trekking around Everest Basecamp touched base with Gripped and said, “Its messy here. Most towns and buildings have been abandoned, everyones sleeping in tents on higher grounds to avoid being hit. Walk ways to and from Everest have collapsed forcing people to use all old Sherpa paths. A lot of buildings have collapsed and everyone is headed down off the mountain. Im about a day ahead of the rush right now. On my way down today I saw a Korean team gearing up to start their climb.”

How to Help

Sartor, who just spent eight months living in Sweden, is in Nepal traveling for five weeks: three volunteering in hospitals and two on Everest. “I think I may be needed back in Kathmandu to help with the injured so I wanna get down as soon as I can.”

An image showing the 2014 and 2015 avalanches on Everest. Photo New York Times
An image showing the 2014 and 2015 avalanches on Everest. Photo New York Times

An injured person is carried by rescue members to be airlifted by rescue helicopter at Everest Base Camp on April 26, 2015, a day after an avalanche triggered by an earthquake devastated the camp. Rescuers in Nepal are searching frantically for survivors of a huge quake on April 25, that killed nearly 2,000, digging through rubble in the devastated capital Kathmandu and airlifting victims of an avalanche at Everest base Camp. The bodies of those who perished lie under orange tents. AFP PHOTO/ROBERTO SCHMIDT
An injured person is carried by rescue members to be airlifted by rescue helicopter at Everest Base Camp on April 26, 2015, a day after an avalanche triggered by an earthquake devastated the camp. Rescuers in Nepal are searching frantically for survivors of a huge quake on April 25, that killed nearly 2,000, digging through rubble in the devastated capital Kathmandu and airlifting victims of an avalanche at Everest base Camp. The bodies of those who perished lie under orange tents. AFP PHOTO/ROBERTO SCHMIDT

–We will continue to update the story as details become available. Follow along on social media @grippedmagazine. 

Source: New York Times, Alan Arnette, CBC

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

Take Your Love of Climbing to New Heights with These Valentine’s Day Gifts

And show your favorite climbing partner how much they mean to you