Nearly 1,000 climbers were trapped on the Tibetan slopes of Mount Everest after a sudden blizzard swept across the region, blocking mountain roads and isolating several base camps.
Mount Everest image used for illustrative purposes/Martin Jernberg/Unsplash
According to Reuters and the BBC, heavy snowfall began on the evening of Friday, October 3, quickly intensifying along the mountain’s eastern side — a popular area for hikers and climbers situated roughly 16,000 feet above sea level.
Roads blocked, camps cut off
The snowstorm left routes to tourist camps impassable, prompting a large-scale rescue effort led by Tibet’s Blue Sky Rescue Team alongside local authorities and volunteers. Teams were dispatched to clear the thick snow and reach those stranded in the high-altitude camps.
The Tingri County Tourism Company issued storm alerts via WeChat, warning visitors to seek shelter. As conditions worsened on Saturday, October 4, officials suspended ticket sales and closed access to the Everest Scenic Area until further notice.
Hundreds rescued, others await help
By Sunday, October 5, around 350 climbers had been safely transported to the nearby mountain town of Qudang, while rescuers established communication with those remaining on the mountain. The Blue Sky Rescue Team reported multiple tents collapsing under heavy snow and several hikers suffering from hypothermia.
It remains unclear whether trekkers on the north face of Everest, also located in Tibet, have been affected.
Wider weather chaos across the region
The blizzard on Everest coincides with severe weather across the Himalayas. Nepal has been battered by torrential rain and flooding, leading to deadly landslides and flash floods that have killed at least 47 people, according to Reuters.
In India, nine people were reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters, while lightning strikes killed three others.
The world’s deadliest mountain
Despite its global allure, Mount Everest remains one of the most dangerous climbs on Earth. More than 400 people have died attempting to reach its summit, with causes ranging from avalanches and falls to frostbite and altitude-related illnesses.
Last year, British climber Daniel Paterson (39) and Nepali guide Pas Tenji Sherpa (23) went missing after a ridge collapsed beneath them during an expedition. They are now presumed dead.
As rescue operations continue this week, authorities have urged climbers and tourists to stay away from the area until conditions stabilize.
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