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Excessive number of tourists create avalanche fears on Mount Everest | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Excessive sightseeing helicopter flights over the upper reaches of Mount Everest are causing avalanche concerns. | Excessive sightseeing helicopter flights over the upper reaches of Mount Everest are causing avalanche concerns. |
A series of disasters have halted Everest expeditions for the last two years. | A series of disasters have halted Everest expeditions for the last two years. |
In 2014, sixteen Sherpas were killed by an avalanche that swept down a climbing route. Last year, at least 18 climbers died at Base Camp after an earthquake triggerd an avalanche. | In 2014, sixteen Sherpas were killed by an avalanche that swept down a climbing route. Last year, at least 18 climbers died at Base Camp after an earthquake triggerd an avalanche. |
While tourist flights are not allowed to fly above Base Camp, which is at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,000ft), a BBC investigation found tourist companies fly over the Khumbu Icefall. | While tourist flights are not allowed to fly above Base Camp, which is at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,000ft), a BBC investigation found tourist companies fly over the Khumbu Icefall. |
Concerned mountain guides told the BBC they fear "that the vibrations caused by helicopters can crack ice blocks and snow packs on mountains overlooking the Khumbu Icefall". | Concerned mountain guides told the BBC they fear "that the vibrations caused by helicopters can crack ice blocks and snow packs on mountains overlooking the Khumbu Icefall". |
"Pasang Kaji Sherpa, a mountain guide with a military expedition team now on Everest, said: "There is a deep-seated fear among Sherpa porters that they may be hit by avalanches this year as well and these helicopters are increasing fears." | "Pasang Kaji Sherpa, a mountain guide with a military expedition team now on Everest, said: "There is a deep-seated fear among Sherpa porters that they may be hit by avalanches this year as well and these helicopters are increasing fears." |
However, airline officials insist there is no danger, as their helicopters fly 2,340 feet above the ground and maintain at least 1km distance from the mountains. | However, airline officials insist there is no danger, as their helicopters fly 2,340 feet above the ground and maintain at least 1km distance from the mountains. |
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has since warned airlines not to conduct flights over the Khumbu Icefall. | The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has since warned airlines not to conduct flights over the Khumbu Icefall. |
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