Introduction
Climbing Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, is a challenge coveted by mountaineers globally. The death toll of those venturing to its peak, however, is worryingly high. As Everest grows even more popular, it has become vital to evaluate the historical number of fatalities and the reasons behind them. This article provides insight into this issue and sheds light on the efforts to maintain safety on the mountain.
Historical perspective
Everest has taken an average of 6 lives annually since 1953, the year it was first successfully climbed. Causes of death vary with the year, but falls, avalanches, and acute mountain sickness are the primary causes. The deadliest year was 2014 when an avalanche killed 16 sherpas. Since then, safety protocols have been more strictly enforced, and we have seen a decrease in fatality rates. In recent years, the number of deaths has remained static, with an average of five and a half deaths per year between 2010 and 2019.
Human-interest stories
The grief of those who lose their lives on Everest is deep and long-lasting, extending well beyond close relationships to the community of climbers. Every death on the mountain brings a unique story of tragedy. While most climbers recollect their expeditions as the adventure of a lifetime, these stories tend to eclipse that joy. Stories of climbers like Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, who both perished during the 1996 Everest disaster, have become a lasting reminder of the risks people take to climb the mountain.
Statistical analysis
A climber’s experience level is a crucial factor in determining the probability of a fatal embarking on the Everest journey successfully. The probability of death for climbers with no previous eight-thousanders experience is four times higher than that of experienced climbers. Weather conditions, avalanches, and after-effects of staying in the Death Zone, with low oxygen levels, also influence death risk.
Climbing culture
“Summit Fever,” the desire to conquer the mountain at all costs, is deeply ingrained in most climbers’ psyche. As climbers approach the summit, their reasoning ability becomes compromised by a decrease in oxygen levels, further accentuating the effects of “Summit Fever.” Climbing culture tends to glorify death and accidents as a natural consequence, leading to a surge in people seeking to climb Everest without significant preparation.
Safety measures
Safety protocols have been continually improving with advancements in technology. Today, climbers use fixed lines, supplemental oxygen, and better weather monitoring systems to increase safety. Climbers are now increasingly expected to have climbed numerous other peaks before Everest, giving a better foundation for the climb. Every lead Sherpa on the expeditions is required to have previous experience on an 8,000m peak.
The Nepalese perspective
From the Sherpa perspective, Everest is a sacred mountain that must be respected. Many Sherpas have lost their lives working on the mountain, making them the backbone of the commercial climbing industry. Sherpas play a massive role in every expedition, carrying gear, establishing routes, and managing the camps. The loss of a life on Everest, therefore, carries significant emotional and economic implications for the Sherpa community.
Future of Everest climbing
To address the overall safety issues of Mount Everest, it is necessary to revamp the overall culture of climbing. Improving the pre-requisite experience for climbing Everest would considerably reduce mortality rates, while more strict waste management could decrease the environmental toll. To combat the effects of climate change, individual contributions like reducing carbon footprints could contribute to the overall health of the planet.
Conclusion
The issue facing climbers of Everest is a considerable challenge, being an endeavor that takes place in a harsh and complex environment. This article highlights the surprisingly complicated factors behind deaths on Everest and how climbers, governments, and the Sherpa community are moving towards a safer future. It’s imperative the conversation about deaths on Everest continues, and the necessary steps are taken that it remains one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding expeditions.