Local Doctor Who Climbed Mt. Everest Reacts to Deadly Avalanche

The death toll in the massive 7.8-magnitude Nepal earthquake continues to rise, now at more than 4,000 people.

At least four Americans are among the dead, and others remain unaccounted for. 

The massive earthquake also triggered a deadly avalanche on Mt. Everest, reaching the base camp down below.

It hit close to home for local climbers who’ve made the journey up to Mt. Everest or who’ve stayed at the base camp.

Dr. Martin Rindahl of Fresno, climbed to the top of Mt. Everest four years ago.

At least 18 people were killed, and several more were injured.

"It’s a huge number. I mean, because when you’re in base camp, that’s the one place you think you’re safe," Rindahl said.

Rindahl spent about two months at the base camp in between climbs.

Last year, an avalanche killed at least 13 Sherpa guides. But this year, the avalanche affected not on climbers or guides, but everyone who stays at base camp.

"It’s like a city when you get in there. All the different climbing groups–there are tents, the medical tents. It’s really like a compact city up close where that avalanche hit," Rindahl said.

Although avalanches are common higher up on the mountain, this one caught everyone off guard.

"That one must’ve been huge because nobody anticipated it would make it that far [down] to basecamp," Rindahl said.

He knows a few climbers who were out there higher up on the mountain when the avalanche hit. There’s been limited communication, but he’s received word that they are okay.

"So they felt everything, but they just didn’t get hit by anything," Rindahl said.

Paul Slocombe is another local climber who made it out to base camp in 2010. He shows us a picture of the mountain.

This deadly avalanche also injured dozens of people, and many more who haven’t been found–likely buried in the snow.

"It’s just a shame. People are suffering. They’re poor. They need help," Slocombe said.

Rescue efforts continue for those stranded on the mountain and those who have not been found where the avalanche hit.