Mt. Everest team in a dilemma over expedition

The Transcend Adventures Everest Team 2015, which commenced its quest with Mt. Everest on April 6, is in a dilemma on whether or not to continue the expedition following the weather forecast and expectation of more aftershocks in the next few days.

Team leaders of International Expeditions held a meeting with Chinese Mountaineering Association officials on Monday. Experts from the Chinese side were found to be of the view that there could be an earthquake or tremors during the next 10 to15 days, said Shekhar Babu Bachinepally in a message to The Hindu .

Following the earthquakes on Saturday and Sunday, The Transcend team, which reached Advanced Base Camp at 6,400 metres, was forced to return to Everest Base Camp at 5,300 metres. “Beyond ABC, there are lot of physical changes and damages in the route. The robustness of the locations to bear the climbing teams is at profound risk. This apart, there is a heavy snowfall since last 48 hours and powdered snow is covered along the route which will have a bearing on the decision of the climbers and Sherpas,” he said.

The decision to continue the expedition will be taken by Sherpas and Chinese Mountaineering Association officials, who will in turn contact their counterparts in the Chinese government. A final decision would be taken on Tuesday,” informed Mr. Shekhar Babu, who hails from Nalgonda district of Telangana.

But even coming back to Kathmandu via Nylam and Tingri can be a challenge for all the teams as the routes have been totally closed due to road breakage and avalanches. “The Chinese officials will have to decide on which route will be safer for the climbers and Sherpas to get back to Kathmandu,” he explained.Sherpas, who are lifeline of all expeditions, are also broken mentally and physically as lot of their relatives and dear ones have been affected back at Kathmandu due to the earthquake. Things can be even tougher for the mountaineers after reaching Kathmandu as there are not many facilities for them to unload their equipment. “We have sufficient supplies required for the next 15-20 days and all the team members in good health and safe at Everest Base Camp,” said Mr.Shekhar Babu.