Adrian Bridge, Everest avalanche, anyone heard news from him?

[Andy Velebil]

He was working his way up Mt. Everest yesterday and I've read the earthquake in Nepal caused avalanches on Everest. Anyone hear if he's ok? This is about all I could find so far

....senior mountaineering guide, Ang Tshering, said an avalanche swept the face of Mt. Everest after the earthquake, and government officials said at least 30 people were injured.

Tshering of the Nepal Mountaineering Association said the avalanche occurred between the Khumbu Icefall, a rugged area of collapsed ice and snow, and the base camp where most climbing expeditions have their main camps.

Carsten Lillelund Pedersen, a Dane who is climbing the Everest with a Belgian climber Jelle Veyt, said on his Facebook page that they were at Khumbu Icefall , a rugged area of collapsed ice and snow close to base camp at altitude 5,000 meters (16,500 feet) when the earthquake hit.

He wrote on his Facebook that they have started to receive the injured, including one person with the most severe injuries who sustained many fractures.

"He was blown away by the avalanche and broke both legs. For the camps closer to where the avalanche hit, our Sherpas believe that a lot of people may have been buried in their tents," he wrote in English.

"There is now a steady flow of people fleeing basecamp in hope of more security further down the mountain"

[Tom Archer]

He was working his way up Mt. Everest

Oh dear.. - I do hope he's OK and can make contact with his family quickly to let them know.

The news reports are saying the landslide was on the south side, whereas most approaches seem to be from the north, so there's hope there; but at 7.9 this was a massive quake and there are bound to be aftershocks..

[Glenn E.]

He posted on twitter, he's fine.

[Andy Velebil]

He posted on twitter, he's fine.

Got an email from Portugal. He's ok with more news to come soon. Very glad to hear that and thoughts and prayers go out to the others not so fortunate.

[Tom Archer]

He's ok with more news to come soon.

Good. Although it will be very frustrating, I hope he has the sense to call time on this expedition and return when the risk of aftershocks has subsided - a snow covered mountain is no place to be when the earth's crust is unsteady..

[Tom Archer]

Any more news?

The media here is reporting aftershocks, avalanches and trapped climbers..

[Andy Velebil]

He was on the north side and from my understanding most of the issues were on the south side of the mountain. Otherwise, no further news than he's fine. I'm sure it may take a while to get out, but it sounds as if most people have or are now in the process of leaving the mountain. As with all the aftershocks, it's not safe to stay.

[Phil W]

From http://everestdinner.weebly.com/media:

Deri Llewellyn-Davies phoned from the sat phone today to confirm that him & the team are all fine. They had left Base Camp when the earthquake hit Nepal. They felt the tremors but none of their team are hurt.

They are currently at Advanced Base Camp and are making their way back to Base Camp. Deri sent us this voice message (click here to listen everest update) and to say that the team thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

In the light of the tragic events unfolding in Kathmandu and on Mount Everest, we have decided to abandon our World's Highest Dinner party attempt and are returning to Base Camp.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this disaster and we will continue to raise funds for the charity Community Action Nepal."

[Andy Velebil]

Good thing they left base camp that morning as it seems it got hit pretty hard by the avalanche.

[Roy Hersh]

Wow, just back in the USA late last night and was out of touch while up in Vancouver, not on my computer except once. Anyway, very glad to hear that Adrian and his party are ok. Too close for comfort!

[Roy Hersh]

Latest update from Adrian:

Dear All

Thanks for your thoughts. I got back to Base Camp North side late yesterday.

When the quake struck on Saturday we were climbing up to Advanced Base Camp up the medial morrain of the East Romgbuk glacier. This meant we missed the avalances and rock falls on either side of the valley. When we got to ABC we were not aware of the disaster on the south side and in Nepal. It took about 6 hours for things to get through as comms are poor. Our Sherpas seem to have lost their houses but have not lost loved ones.

Sunday's quake we were at ABC and in a safe position. We have abandoned our challenge and returned to Base Camp yesterday on what is a hazadous route without incident.

North Base Camp suffered some big rock falls but no serious damage. We are camped in the middle of the morrain so well away from further risk. We are now in the hands of the Chinese to see how we proceed. Our equipment is up the mountain and we are down.

We are trying to post updates to:

Www.everestdinner.com

Best wishes

Adrian