Deluge of ice and death

When Mount Everest climber Saray Khumalo heard of the fatal avalanche on the mountain at 4.30am on Friday she wasn't too worried.

She wrote on Facebook: "I did not think much of it at the time as we have heard avalanches every night since we got to base camp, but we knew that it was closer than usual."

But this avalanche killed 13 Sherpas and could put the entire climbing season at risk.

Khumalo and fellow mountaineer Sibusiso Vilane reached the Everest base camp on April 17.

Khumalo said that on Friday she saw helicopters with ropes dangling from them flying past and realised that they were transporting dead bodies.

She said the Sherpas on her climbing team were in shock.

"Guys on the team all seem to have lost a relative or friend in a similar incident but, looking at their faces, they were as shocked as I. Everything happens for a reason but I am struggling to understand this one.

"My heart goes out to the families and friends of all those who lost their life in the Kumbu today. I am especially touched by the Sherpas, who are the unsung heroes of Everest expeditions."

On Saturday, the South African team started climbing to Lobuche East, a peak not too far from the avalanche.

The team plans to return to base camp today.

Angry Sherpas yesterday were demanding higher danger pay and insurance for their role in guiding climbers up Everest.

Sherpas want R1-million each for the eight injured in the accident and R1-million for the families of those killed. Some have called for the two-month climbing season to be cancelled as a mark of respect for the dead.

The Discovery Channel announced yesterday that it would cancel the planned jump off Everest by Joby Ogwyn, who was to wear a "squirrel" flying suit and glide down the mountain. The event was to have been broadcast live worldwide on May 11.

"In light of the overwhelming tragedy at Mount Everest and in respect for the families, Discovery Channel will not be going forward with Everest Jump Live," said the network.