10 Deadly Hidden Facts of Everest
- High Altitude Sickness: The altitude of Mount Everest can cause altitude sickness, which can lead to dangerous health problems such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. In extreme cases, it can lead to pulmonary or cerebral edema, which can be fatal.
- Extreme Cold Weather: Temperatures on Mount Everest can drop as low as -80°F (-62°C), which can cause frostbite and hypothermia. These extreme weather conditions can also lead to respiratory problems.
- Avalanches: The Khumbu Icefall, a treacherous section of the route to the summit, is prone to avalanches, which can be deadly. In 2014, 16 Sherpas died in an avalanche on the mountain.
- Falling Ice: Large chunks of ice can break off and fall from the mountain, posing a significant danger to climbers below. In 2006, a climber was killed by a falling ice block.
- Limited Oxygen: The thin air on Mount Everest makes it difficult to breathe, and climbers must rely on bottled oxygen to survive at high altitudes. However, these supplies can run out, and some climbers have died from lack of oxygen.
- Crowded Routes: The popularity of climbing Mount Everest has led to overcrowding on the mountain, which can create dangerous situations. In 2019, 11 people died on the mountain due to traffic jams and long wait times.
- Difficult Terrain: The climb to the summit of Mount Everest is physically and mentally challenging, requiring climbers to navigate difficult terrain, including steep ice and rock faces.
- Hidden Crevasses: The Khumbu Glacier, which climbers must cross to reach the summit, is riddled with hidden crevasses that can be deadly if a climber falls in.
- Sherpa Fatigue: Sherpas, who are often responsible for carrying heavy loads and setting up camps for climbers, can become fatigued and at risk of injury or death.
- Summit Fever: Climbers can become so focused on reaching the summit of Mount Everest that they take unnecessary risks, which can lead to accidents and fatalities.
