I’m on the board of the Access Fund, and we share the feelings of loss and pain within the global climbing community from the April 26 earthquake and subsequent avalanche that hit Everest Base Camp… including with our friends at The American Alpine Club. This extends to the Nepali people and those who are visiting that beautiful and wondrous country. The Club offers some good contact info for those looking to take action or find more information.
From the AAC; “We are aware of numerous AAC members in affected areas, and our partner Global Rescue is engaged in missions to contact, locate, and rescue those in need. If you know of an AAC member in Nepal who is unaccounted for, please notify Global Rescue: 800-381-9754.
This tragedy has impacted our tribe of climbers on the high peaks. And it has devastated communities, families, and towns across Nepal. A number of AAC partner organizations are collecting relief funds to help local mountain communities and to support on-the-ground aid efforts. These include the American Himalayan Foundation, the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation, and the Juniper Fund.
Members Jake Norton (MountainWorld blog) and Alan Arnette (alanarnette.com) are posting updates as information becomes available. Further AAC communications about the earthquake will be available via our Facebook Page.
With heartache,
The American Alpine Club team”
Heartache, indeed. Sadly, my friend Tom Taplin was lost to us in EBC from the terrifying, huge avalanche that came off Pumori and swept half of Base Camp away. Thanks Tom, for all you’ve done for us, and we will carry your spirit with us forward into the mountains and adventure.
Tom Taplin, skier and mountaineer extraordinaire, died at EBC.
KH
