Emirati professor safe at Everest base camp after quake

Dr Abdulkhaleq Abdulla was on his way to base camp when the earthquake struck Nepal.

Dr Abdulkhaleq Abdulla had to run for cover. Jeff Topping / The National

ABU DHABI // An Emirati academic trekking in Nepal has described the moment the earthquake struck, making the mountains shake and triggering a deadly avalanche that killed at least 19 and injured 60 at Everest base camp.

“The shaking lasted for about 25 minutes, and we ran for cover,” said Dr Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a political science professor at UAE University who was on his way to the base camp 5,300 metres above sea level.

“Suddenly, there was a huge sound and we thought it was thunder because it was raining but we realised it was a landslide that grew louder and louder.”

The avalanche went on for 20 minutes, he said. “We had to run for our lives and there was nowhere to hide. This was the scariest part.

“After this, there were several small quakes, and we started hearing screams coming from Namche town. Some people were running towards us for safety but we were told to stay put as more quakes were expected.”

Dr Abdulla and his three companions felt a tremor every 15 minutes or so for the next four hours.

“This was not the trekking we had in mind,” he said. “It was not supposed to be this way. It was all pure luck to survive all of this.”

Dr Abdulla’s dream had been to reach base camp.

“One you reach your destination, you forget everything and you enjoy the landscape and being on top of the world,” he said.

“It is sad that this trip to the Himalayas had to end up this way but it is a human tragedy. I am lucky to get calls from family, friends, and of course, the first call was from Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, [Minister of Foreign Affairs]. I felt I am cared for by my country and loved by my family.”

He said the nature of trekking involved dangerous and difficult periods.

“It’s a serious adventure with a lot of fun, plenty of learning and risks. The trekking to the base camp is 25 days and you have to expect the unexpected, between the weather, altitude, lack of sleep, company and food.”

Although no one from his group was injured, he was dismayed by the damage from the quake.

“It is heartbreaking that many of the sights are destroyed because of the earthquake,” he said. “The assessment we are getting is, not to continue. I feel sad I did not reach my destination but there is always a second time to do the base camp and I am not giving up.

“Right now, I am working on the details to come back home. It is hectic for everybody but I should be home any time.”