Compiled by: Sahar Yaghoubi
The French government has issued a warning to amateur mountaineers to stay away from Mont Blanc because of the increased frequency of rockfalls brought on by the unusually hot weather.
Since France is now experiencing its third heatwave of the summer, mountain guides have reduced the number of planned ascents of the Alps’ highest peak.
They believe it’s become too risky to go to the 4,800-meter peak due to frequent rockfalls caused by a drought brought on by abnormally hot and dry weather.
Because of the rise in temperature, the already precarious routes on Mont Blanc have become much more dangerous, and crevasses have become even more of a danger.
There are still seven ways to reach the peak, but inexperienced climbers are strongly discouraged.
Scotsman Evan Warden, who visited the foot of the Aiguille peak on Sunday, lamented the “terrible” circumstances he saw there.
Warden remarked that “rockfalls and crevasses were opening regularly” everywhere they went.
Monica and Marten Antheun, a Norwegian couple, said that their tour operator had to abort their attempt to climb Mont Blanc because of the weather.
“The climb was canceled due to bad weather, and the guide informed us through email. The guides seem to have a firm grasp of the terrain and weather patterns. We have time; it’s no problem “- Antheun.
In July, a 200-meter-long fracture emerged on the Marmolada glacier, also in the Italian Dolomites.
When a large section of the glacier broke off two weeks ago, it unleashed a catastrophic avalanche of ice and debris that killed at least 11 people. Warming temps, say experts.
