A 39-year-old Singaporean climber, Shrinivas Sainis, is feared to be missing after reaching the summit of Mount Everest on Friday (19 May), according to The Straits Times.
He sent a text message using a satellite phone to his wife on Friday night saying that he had reached the summit of the world’s tallest mountain but followed it up with bad news saying that he is likely not able to make it back down the mountain.
The executive director of Jones Lang Laselle, a real estate firm, had left for his Mount Everest expedition back on 1 April earlier this year and was expected to return home on 4 June.
His 36-year-old Wife Sushma Soma, a musician, spoke to the Straits Times and said that she had last heard from her husband on Friday at about 3.30 pm, and has received no updates from him ever since.
She said that her husband told her that he was down with a severe type of high altitude sickness called High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which is potentially fatal.
Earlier this morning at about 2 am, Soma found out that the two Sherpas that Sainis was with had successfully made it back down the mountain, but her husband didn’t.
A petition has also been launched by Sainis’ cousin for the authorities to help search for him, urging for the involvement of a special rescue team train in risky terrains.
Dangers of climbing Mount Everest
Extreme Altitude:
One of the most significant threats climbers encounter on Mount Everest is the extreme altitude. Standing at an astonishing 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level, the mountain’s “death zone” above 8,000 meters poses immense challenges to the human body. The scarcity of oxygen in the air makes breathing extremely difficult, leading to altitude sickness, pulmonary edema, and cerebral edema. These life-threatening conditions can cause severe fatigue, confusion, and loss of consciousness, jeopardizing climbers’ safety and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Unpredictable Weather:
Another perilous aspect of Mount Everest climbing is the erratic and unforgiving weather conditions. Climbers often encounter violent storms, hurricane-force winds, and extreme cold, even during the peak climbing season. Sudden weather changes can leave climbers exposed to hypothermia, frostbite, and avalanches. Whiteout conditions, blizzards, and heavy snowfall can disorient climbers, leading to accidents and fatalities.
Avalanche Risk:
The slopes of Mount Everest are notorious for avalanches, which pose a significant threat to climbers. The mountain’s massive ice formations and glaciers make it prone to avalanches triggered by geological factors or human activity. The Khumbu Icefall, located near Base Camp, is particularly notorious for its precarious ice formations that can collapse at any moment. Despite safety measures such as fixed ropes and icefall doctors, climbers are exposed to the constant risk of being swept away by cascading ice and snow masses.
Narrow Climbing Windows:
Due to the limited favorable weather conditions, climbers have to make the ascent within a narrow window of opportunity, typically during April and May. This time constraint increases the risk of overcrowding on the mountain as numerous expeditions try to reach the summit simultaneously. Congested climbing routes, longer wait times, and a scarcity of available resources can exacerbate the danger and compromise climbers’ safety. Moreover, the time pressure can lead to poor decision-making and increased exposure to hazardous situations.
Physical and Mental Exhaustion:
Climbing Mount Everest demands exceptional physical fitness and mental resilience. The extended periods spent in extreme conditions take a toll on climbers’ bodies and minds. The relentless physical exertion, coupled with prolonged exposure to high altitude and the scarcity of oxygen, can lead to fatigue, dehydration, and muscle exhaustion. The mental strain of enduring extreme cold, isolation, and the constant threat of danger can also impair judgment and decision-making abilities, potentially leading to fatal errors.