San Francisco mother returns home after surviving Nepal earthquake

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There were tears of joy and big hugs on Monday morning as a San Francisco mother returned home safely after narrowly surviving the deadly earthquake in Nepal. She was climbing Mount Everest when the quake triggered an avalanche.

Watching four darling children rush to reunite with their mother after five weeks of being apart would warm your heart no matter what. But when you hear the story of how their mother almost didn't make it home, it feels even more precious.

"The attempt was to climb Everest and raise money for Water for Nepal," said Siobhan McFeeney. "But obviously we all know what happened. The last week's been interesting. So, it's good to be home."

McFeeney was with six climbers and two guides when the earthquake hit in Nepal and the avalanche came down. Video taken by another climber at base camp shows what it was like when it hit.

PHOTOS: Inside the aftermath of the Nepal earthquake

"Everything around us just disappeared," said McFeeney. "So I don't know why we are here but I am happy."

She says it's going to take some time to process her emotions from the experience but she is clear on the fact that it's a miracle she is here.

"I don't know why we survived, I have no idea," she said.

She and her husband Terry Trevino are serious climbers. But with four kids, someone has to stay home while the other goes. Trevino says he didn't hear she was okay until two and a half gut-wrenching hours after the quake hit.

"When she told me everything that happened and how everything fell around them I knew there was some divine intervention at that point," said Trevino.

Their children -- ranging from 5 years old to 11 years old -- say they will not be letting mom leave again anytime soon.

When asked if he's going to let her go to Nepal again, her young son said, "No!"

Mom agrees that she's got too much to live for right here in San Francisco.

"It's kinda random," she said. "There's no consistency to it. So I think when you get a bit lucky on the random side you take it and maybe avoid risk for a while I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon."

As for Monday night, they're not sure if it's gonna mean making a home cooked meal or ordering pizza. But what they do know is that it will be all about family.

The death toll from the devastating quake now stands at more than 7,300 people. Damage to the impoverished nation is enormous. Officials haven't estimated how much it will cost to rebuild, but say it will take a huge amount of international help. The European Union has already approved $22 million in emergency aid.

Nepal is one of the world's poorest nations, with its economy is largely based on tourism.

Click here to find out how you can help the victims in Nepal, and click here for full coverage on the devastating quake.