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Zainudin Lot, 49, one of the climbers stranded during an expedition to Mount Denali in Alaska, shared his harrowing experience of surviving in -25 degrees Celsius. Trapped during the descent from the mountain summit on May 28, Zainudin had to crawl through the snow to find help.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Zainudin confessed that he almost lost hope of rescue as he and his companion, the late Zulkifli Yusuf, 37, were confined in a homemade snow cave, known as a Football Field, for four days due to severe weather. "Zulkifli died on the second day. On the third day, I saw a helicopter hovering overhead but it struggled to land. I gathered all my strength to wave my hands, signaling that I was still alive," he recounted to reporters upon his arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
"The helicopter returned for the third time, and I managed to crawl out of the shelter. When I looked back, I saw the helicopter coming to rescue me," he added.
Zainudin revealed that the experience had left him more mentally than physically scarred despite sustaining injuries to his feet and fingers. "It has been a traumatic experience with lasting effects. I am deeply grateful to Allah SWT for sparing my life and hope to continue recovering and maintaining my health," he said.
When questioned about his future in mountain climbing, Zainudin affirmed that he remains undeterred. "As climbers, we are aware of the risks and it is our passion. I am thankful to be back with my family and grateful to everyone who prayed for me," he said.
Zainudin's eldest sister, Rohana, 55, expressed immense relief at her brother's safe return, describing it as "coming back to life." She noted, "He loves extreme activities, and we are thankful that he is safe. He always seeks our mother's blessings before embarking on any adventure."
His mother, Hasidah Hamid, 73, shared her relief, saying, "I was devastated to learn he was trapped, but I always prayed for his safe return. Alhamdulillah, he is safe."
On June 1, the Alpine Club Malaysia (ACM) reported that three Malaysian climbers were stranded at an altitude of 19,700 feet on North America's highest peak since May 28. The ACM confirmed that Zulkifli Yusuf passed away at 6 am on May 29 while sheltering in the snow cave. — Bernama
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