On Friday, a massive avalanche on Mount Everest killed as many as 16 climbers in the deadliest accident in the mountain’s history. As of Friday, 12 people were confirmed dead by Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism. According to other climbers on the mountain, there were 16 fatalities in total.

The avalanche occurred above base camp in the Khumbu Ice Fall at about 19,000 feet. Guides were setting ropes for the route as well as setting up camp when it struck. All of those who died were Sherpas working as part of several expeditions.

Because the accident occurred only days before the busiest climbing season is set to begin, this leaves many climbers reconsidering their expeditions. Nepali expedition organizers gathered to discuss what stance they should take, and chose to leave the decision about whether or not to continue with the trip up to the individual expeditions. It was also decided that no pressure will be placed on the expeditions.

“We cannot force the expeditions to make any decision,” said Madhu Sudan Burlakoti, chief of the Tourism Industry Division of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, according to CNN.

Because the path was destroyed in the avalanche, a new one would have to be made before expeditions can continue. Those who choose to carve a new path on Khumbu Ice Fall will not be penalized for doing so.

For this season, 334 climbers have signed up to climb and will be accompanied by about 400 guides. It has yet to be seen how many will continue on with their expeditions.

Many of the Sherpas who died supplied the main income for their families. The approximate income is $6,000 (US) per season, and they are sometimes given a bonus if their clients reach the summit. To climb Everest, people typically pay between $40,000 and $90,000 each.

The Sherpas who met on Sunday also decided they want to be paid in full regardless of if their client makes it to the summit. For the funerals of the deceased, the government has paid $662 (US) to each family.

“I’m heartbroken,” said John Griber, a climber who was at Base Camp at the time of the avalanche, according to Outside.

Image from Luca Galuzzi on Wikimedia Commons