2014 Mount Everest avalanche facts for kids
On April 18, 2014, a big avalanche happened on Mount Everest. It sadly killed 16 people and injured 9 others. This avalanche was caused by a large block of ice, called a serac, that broke off from the mountain above a dangerous area known as the Khumbu Icefall.
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The 2014 Mount Everest Avalanche
The avalanche on Mount Everest in 2014 was a very serious event. It happened on the morning of April 18, when many climbers and Sherpa guides were preparing for their climb. The accident took place in a very difficult part of the mountain, known as the Khumbu Icefall.
What is an Avalanche?
An avalanche is a large amount of snow, ice, and rocks that quickly slides down a mountain. Avalanches can be very powerful and move at high speeds. They are a big danger for climbers and people living in mountain areas. They can be caused by heavy snowfall, warm weather, or even small vibrations.
What is a Serac?
A serac is a large block or tower of ice. These blocks form in glaciers where the ice moves over uneven ground. Seracs can be very unstable and can break off without warning. When a serac falls, it can trigger an avalanche, especially in areas with a lot of snow or ice. The avalanche on Everest in 2014 was started by a falling serac.
The Khumbu Icefall
The Khumbu Icefall is a very dangerous and challenging part of the climbing route on Mount Everest. It is located at the foot of the Lhotse Face, which is a steep wall of ice. The Khumbu Icefall is made of a glacier that is constantly moving. This movement creates deep cracks called crevasses and tall ice towers called seracs.
Climbers have to cross the Khumbu Icefall to reach higher camps on Everest. Special teams, often called "Icefall Doctors," set up ropes and ladders to make a path through this tricky area. However, because the ice is always moving, the path can change quickly, making it very risky. The 2014 avalanche happened in this dangerous icefall.
Images for kids
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Everest as seen from Gokyo Ri
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Khumbu Glacier + Khumbu Icefall + Mount Everest -
This labeled photo-diagram shows the location of the fatal ice avalanche on the 2014 route, and the revised 2015 route through the Khumbu.
See also
In Spanish: Avalancha del monte Everest de 2014 para niños
