More than 350 trekkers have been rescued after being stranded in blizzard-like conditions on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, while around 200 others remain trapped.
In one of the most terrifying incidents, caused by unreal natural conditions, Mt. Everest, world’s highest peak at 8848.86 metres above sea level, has witnessed several climbers to face extreme and unprecedented adversity, as the situations remains stressful.
The trekkers, who were caught off guard by unusually heavy snowfall and rainfall, faced extreme weather while traversing the Tingri region of Tibet, one of the key routes leading to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.
Hundreds Stranded as Snowstorm Hits Everest Region
The extreme weather struck unexpectedly on October 4 evening, bringing relentless snow and rain that continued throughout the following day. The blizzard conditions have left more than 500 people stranded, including both local and international trekkers. As per reports, rescuers have managed to guide 350 trekkers safely to Qudang township, located on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, according to footage obtained by China’s CCTV.
200 Trekkers Still Await Rescue
Authorities said that about 200 trekkers remain stranded in treacherous terrain, but rescue operations are underway as the day goes by. The remaining trekkers are being escorted to safety in stages under the supervision of rescue teams coordinated by local government officials. It is still unclear whether all local guides and support staff have been accounted for, and reports did not specify whether trekkers near Everest’s north face had also been affected.
Due to the ongoing rescue efforts and adverse conditions, authorities suspended ticket sales and visitor entry to the entire Everest Scenic Area from late Saturday, according to official notices shared by the Tingri County Tourism Company on WeChat. The valley, situated at an altitude of around 4,200 metres (13,800 feet), experienced severe snowfall, making rescue operations challenging.
Nepal Also Hit by Deadly Floods and Landslides
Across the border in Nepal, authorities are grappling with the aftermath of heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides, which have killed at least 47 people since it first occurred on October 4. The Nepal Tourism Board has stated that weather conditions had improved significantly, allowing search and rescue operations to continue. Subsequently, clear skies were reported in the capital city of Kathmandu and other neighbouring regions.
In eastern Ilam district, bordering India, 35 people have died in separate landslides, while nine others remain missing after being swept away by floods. Additionally, three people were killed by lightning strikes in other parts of the country.
The ongoing floods and landslides highlight the growing impact of climate change in South Asia, where unpredictable weather patterns are posing severe challenges for climbers, trekkers, and the Sherpa communities that support mountain expeditions.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
