Qomolangma climbing season likely to be called off for 2nd straight year

The Mount Qomolangma south base camp in Nepal is seen a day after a huge earthquake-caused avalanche killed at least 17 people, in this photo courtesy of 6summitschallenge.com taken on April 26, 2015 and released on April 27, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

KATHMANDU - The Mount Qomolangma expeditions for 2015 is likely to be canceled this year again following the deadly avalanches triggered by the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal on April 25, likely triggering a huge loss in the country's tourism business.

The move may come as 19 people including climbers, guides and helpers were confirmed dead in this year's avalanches at the Qomolangma base camp with a huge number of other people sustaining injuries.

The official decision from the Department of Tourism is yet to come but the mountaineering officials said there is a minimal possibility in the resumption of expeditions as the climbing routes have been damaged.

The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) is responsible for preparing the climbing route to the world's highest peak.

Tulsi Prasad Gautam, director general of the Department of Tourism, told Xinhua on Wednesday "We have verbally received the information that the SPCC cannot make ready the routes in a short span of time amid risks and difficulties, which mean climbing will not be possible this time."

However, the Department of Tourism is waiting for the official confirmation from the SPCC, which will be received within two days.

The chance of preparing the route is more and more unlikely as the time is short and monsoons are likely to start soon along with continuing aftershocks. The temperature is also likely to rise.

In a statement, the SPCC said on Tuesday after conducting a survey of the situation at the Qomolangma Base Camp and the Khumbu region,"we have come to a conclusion not to take risks by continuing work on the mountain".

According to them, it would take a minimum of two weeks to create the route up to Camp II, adding that there is no adequate equipment and supplies to begin the task.