**TIBET** – Hundreds of trekkers who were trapped by a sudden and severe blizzard on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest have been successfully rescued. The unexpected storm, which brought unusually heavy snowfall and rain, caught an estimated 1,000 people in campsites on the eastern face of the world's highest mountain. Rescue efforts were immediately mobilized, with local villagers and emergency teams working to clear snow and ensure the safety of those stranded.
By Sunday evening, approximately 350 trekkers had been guided to safety in the nearby township of Qudang. Contact was also established with the remaining over 200 individuals, who were being assisted by rescuers in stages. The treacherous conditions, with snow accumulating at altitudes above 4,900 meters (16,000 feet), posed a significant risk, with reports of hypothermia among some of the stranded trekkers. The blizzard, which began on Friday evening and continued through Saturday, also caused thunder and lightning, further complicating the situation.
The affected area, the remote Karma Valley leading to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest, had seen a surge in visitors due to China's eight-day National Day holiday. This influx of trekkers contributed to the large number of people caught off guard by the extreme weather. Several tents reportedly collapsed under the weight of the snow, highlighting the severity of the storm. The Everest Scenic Area was temporarily closed, and ticket sales were suspended as authorities focused on the rescue operations.
While the focus was on the Everest rescue, the same weather system brought severe conditions to neighboring Nepal. Heavy rainfall triggered widespread landslides and flash floods, resulting in at least 47 fatalities across the country since Friday. These natural disasters blocked roads and washed away bridges, adding to the general state of emergency in the Himalayan region.
The rescue operation, which involved hundreds of local villagers and dedicated rescue teams, successfully navigated difficult terrain and challenging weather to bring the stranded trekkers to safety. Reports indicate that the guides and support staff accompanying the trekking parties were also accounted for, though specific details were not immediately available. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Himalayan weather, even during typically clearer autumn months.
