Nearly 1,000 Individuals Trapped on the World's Highest Peak Slopes
Rescue efforts are under way on the isolated slopes in Tibet of the Himalayan peak, where a intense blizzard has trapped nearly a thousand individuals in base camps on the east-facing side of the peak.
Hundreds residents and response units have been deployed to remove snow preventing passage to the area, which sits at an altitude of above 4,900 meters.
A number of visitors have been saved from the impacted site.
Heavy snowfall started on Friday night and has grown stronger on the eastern slopes of the peak in the Tibetan region, an region favored by adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Reports indicate that tents had fallen due to the snow accumulation, and several individuals were showing symptoms of exposure.
Entry passes and access to the Everest tourism site have been halted effective Saturday.
The zone is experiencing extreme weather, with adjacent the country of Nepal being battered by heavy rains that have caused mudslides and sudden flooding, destroying road bridges and killing at least 47 people in the last two days.
In the region, a severe weather system has arrived, forcing about one hundred fifty thousand residents to relocate from their residences.
Mount Everest is the planet's tallest mountain at above 8,849m. Although numerous climbers try to ascend the top annually, it is considered an incredibly dangerous hike.
In the past few years, it has been troubled by problems due to high numbers, ecological issues, and a number of deadly expeditions.
