Mount Everest Emergency Operation In Progress as Snowstorm Strands Nearly 1,000 People
Rescue operations are actively underway on the world's tallest mountain following a severe snowstorm that left nearly 1,000 individuals trapped at base camps on the eastern side of the summit.
Hundreds Rescued Successfully Amid Unusual Precipitation
Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the blizzard near the eastern face of the mountain were safely guided by emergency responders on the weekend, as exceptional snow and rain hit the Himalayan region.
As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had arrived at the remote town of the rescue base, while contact had been established with the other two hundred hikers.
Peak Season Led to High Visitor Numbers
Tourists in the remote valley of the Karma valley, which leads to the Kangshung east side of Mount Everest, totaled several hundred this period, benefiting from an eight-day National Day holiday in the area.
Snowfall in the valley, which sits at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), started late Friday and persisted all day Saturday.
Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Security
The other hikers are expected to arrive the safe zone in stages under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams organised by the regional authorities.
Many residents and rescue teams have been sent to help clear pathways obstructing routes to the area.
Unclear Details Over Local Guides and North Face
Estimates indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been trapped. Details were unclear whether local guides and other personnel with the trekking parties had been located.
Remains unknown if trekkers near the northern side of Everest—also in the area—had been impacted or not.
Tourist Rush and Entry Halted
The north face of Mount Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, regularly draws many of visitors. This month is a busy period, when weather improves with the end of the monsoon season.
Admission tickets and entry to the whole Mount Everest region were suspended from the weekend, according to notices posted on official channels.
Nearby Area Affected by Heavy Rains
To the south of the region, heavy rains triggered mudslides and sudden flooding that have blocked roads, destroyed bridges, and killed at least 47 people since last week.
Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in multiple mudslides in the eastern Ilam district near the Indian border. Nine individuals were reported missing after being swept away by flood waters, and three others were fatally struck in electrical storms elsewhere in the country.
