Mount Everest has recorded its eighth fatality of the year with the death of Indian climber Banshi Lal. The 46-year-old, who was rescued from the mountain and hospitalized last week, succumbed to his condition, confirmed tourism department official Rakesh Gurung. This year’s toll also includes a British climber and guide presumed dead.
Understanding the Risks: Why is Everest So Dangerous?
Mount Everest, standing at 8,849 meters above sea level, has been summited over 6,600 times since Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent 71 years ago. Despite its allure, the mountain presents extreme hazards such as thick clouds, freezing winds up to 160 km/h, deadly snowstorms, and avalanches. These conditions attract hundreds of climbers annually, yet also contribute to a high fatality rate.
Climbing statistics and hazards
Since records began in 1922, at least 322 climbers have died on Everest, according to The Himalayan Database, with an average of 6.4 deaths per year since 2000. Climbers face Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), exhaustion, non-AMS illnesses, and exposure, leading to frequent fatalities. High-altitude pulmonary edema and cerebral edema are also significant risks.
Record year for fatalities
The year 2023 marked the deadliest on Everest, with 18 recorded fatalities. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, director of Nepal’s tourism department, attributed this spike to climate change, noting its severe impact on mountain weather. Despite issuing a record 479 permits last year, Khatiwada denied that overcrowding was a factor.
However, Ang Norbu Sherpa, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, argued that excessive permits contribute to overcrowding. He observed that the climbing pattern has shifted, with many novice climbers attempting the summit. Professional mountain guide Allan Cohrs echoed these concerns, emphasizing that Everest is not suitable for inexperienced climbers, who often push themselves into dangerous situations.