Mount Everest Emergency Operation In Progress as Blizzard Strands Nearly 1,000 People
Rescue operations are actively underway on the world's tallest mountain following a severe snowstorm that stranded close to a thousand individuals isolated at campsites on the eastern side of the peak.
Hundreds Guided to Safety Amid Heavy Snowfall
Hundreds of trekkers stranded by the snowstorm near the east side of the peak were safely guided by rescue teams on the weekend, as unusually heavy snow and rain hit the Himalayas.
As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had reached the remote town of the rescue base, while communication had been made with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.
Peak Season Contributed to High Crowds
Tourists in the remote valley of Karma, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest, numbered in the hundreds this period, taking advantage of an extended holiday break in the region.
Snowfall in the valley, which sits at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), began on Friday evening and persisted throughout Saturday.
Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Safety
The remaining trekkers are expected to arrive Qudang in phases under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams dispatched by the local government.
Many residents and rescue teams have been sent to help remove snow obstructing routes to the region.
Uncertainty Over Local Guides and Other Areas
Estimates indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been stranded. It was not specified whether support staff and team members with the trekking parties had been accounted for.
Remains unknown 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 roadway, regularly draws many of tourists. October is a peak season, when skies clear with the end of the Indian monsoon.
Admission tickets and entry to the whole Mount Everest region were halted from the weekend, according to notices posted on local platforms.
Neighboring Region Impacted by Severe Weather
To the south of the region, torrential downpours triggered mudslides and flash floods that have closed routes, washed away bridges, and killed at least 47 people since last week.
Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in multiple mudslides in the Ilam eastern region bordering India. Nine people were reported missing after being carried off by rising waters, and three more were killed in electrical storms in other parts of the nation.
