Mount Everest Emergency Operation In Progress as Blizzard Traps Close to a Thousand Individuals
Rescue operations are actively underway on the world's tallest mountain following a intense blizzard that stranded close to a thousand people isolated at base camps on the east face of the summit.
Hundreds Guided to Safety Amid Heavy Precipitation
Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the snowstorm near the east side of the mountain were led to safety by rescue teams on Sunday, as exceptional precipitation pummelled the Himalayan region.
By the weekend, three hundred and fifty individuals had reached the remote town of Qudang, while contact had been established with the other two hundred hikers.
Peak Season Led to High Crowds
Tourists in the isolated area of Karma, which provides access to the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest, numbered in the hundreds this week, taking advantage of an eight-day National Day holiday in the region.
Heavy snow in the region, which lies at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), started late Friday and persisted all day Saturday.
Continued Operations to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Security
The remaining trekkers are expected to arrive the safe zone in stages under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams dispatched by the local government.
Hundreds of local villagers and response units have been deployed to help remove snow blocking access to the region.
Uncertainty Over Local Guides and Other Areas
Reports indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been stranded. It was not specified whether support staff and team members with the hiking groups had been accounted for.
Remains unknown if trekkers near the north face of the mountain—also in the region—had been impacted or not.
Peak Season and Entry Suspended
The northern slope of Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, often attracts many of visitors. This month is a busy period, when weather improves with the conclusion of the monsoon season.
Admission tickets and access to the entire Everest scenic area were halted from Saturday, according to announcements posted on official channels.
Neighboring Region Impacted by Heavy Rains
To the southern side of the region, heavy rains caused landslides and flash floods that have closed routes, destroyed bridges, and killed at least 47 people since Friday.
Thirty-five people died in separate landslides in the eastern Ilam district bordering India. Nine individuals were reported missing after being carried off by rising waters, and three others were fatally struck in electrical storms in other parts of the nation.
