Mount Everest Rescue In Progress as Blizzard Traps Nearly 1,000 Individuals
Rescue operations are actively underway on Mount Everest following a severe snowstorm that stranded nearly 1,000 individuals isolated at campsites on the east face of the peak.
Several Hundred Rescued Successfully Amid Unusual Snowfall
Numerous hikers stranded by the blizzard near the east side of the mountain were safely guided by rescue teams on Sunday, as unusually heavy precipitation pummelled the Himalayas.
By the weekend, three hundred and fifty individuals had arrived at the remote town of the rescue base, while contact had been established with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.
Holiday Rush Contributed to High Visitor Numbers
Tourists in the isolated area of the Karma valley, which provides access to the Kangshung east side of Everest, totaled several hundred this week, benefiting from an extended holiday break in the area.
Heavy snow in the valley, which lies at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (over 13,700 feet), started late Friday and persisted all day Saturday.
Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Safety
The remaining trekkers are scheduled to reach Qudang in stages under the guidance and assistance of rescuers organised by the local government.
Hundreds of local villagers and response units have been deployed to help clear pathways blocking access to the area.
Uncertainty Over Local Guides and Other Areas
Estimates indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been stranded. Details were unclear whether local guides and team members with the hiking groups had been accounted for.
It was also unclear if hikers near the north face of Everest—also in the area—had been impacted or not.
Tourist Rush and Access Suspended
The north face of Mount Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, often attracts many of visitors. October is a peak season, when weather improves with the end of the Indian monsoon.
Ticket sales and entry to the entire Everest scenic area were suspended from Saturday, according to announcements posted on official channels.
Neighboring Region Affected by Severe Weather
To the southern side of the area, heavy rains caused mudslides and sudden flooding that have blocked roads, washed away bridges, and killed at least 47 people since Friday.
Thirty-five people lost their lives in separate landslides in the Ilam eastern region bordering India. Nine people were reported unaccounted for after being carried off by flood waters, and three others were killed in electrical storms elsewhere in the country.