🔗 Share this article

Emergency efforts are ongoing on Mount Everest following a severe snowstorm that stranded nearly 1,000 individuals isolated at base camps on the east face of the summit.

Hundreds Rescued Successfully Amid Unusual Precipitation

Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the snowstorm near the eastern face of the peak were led to safety by rescue teams on Sunday, as exceptional precipitation pummelled the Himalayan region.

As of Sunday, 350 people had reached the small township of the rescue base, while communication had been established with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.

Peak Season Led to High Crowds

Tourists in the isolated area of the Karma valley, which provides access to the Kangshung east side of Everest, totaled several hundred this week, benefiting from an eight-day National Day holiday in the area.

Snowfall in the region, which lies at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (13,779 feet), started late Friday and persisted throughout Saturday.

Continued Operations to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Safety

The other hikers are scheduled to reach Qudang in stages under the guidance and assistance of rescuers organised by the regional authorities.

Hundreds of local villagers and response units have been deployed to help remove snow obstructing routes to the area.

Unclear Details Over Support Staff and North Face

Estimates indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been trapped. It was not specified whether local guides and team members with the trekking parties had been located.

It was also unclear if hikers near the north face of the mountain—also in the region—had been affected or not.

Tourist Rush and Entry Suspended

The northern slope of Everest, due to its convenient approach by roadway, often attracts many of tourists. October is a peak season, when skies clear with the end 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.

Nearby Area Impacted by Severe Weather

To the southern side of the area, torrential downpours triggered landslides and flash floods that have closed routes, washed away bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since Friday.

Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in multiple mudslides in the eastern Ilam district near the Indian border. Nine individuals were reported unaccounted for after being swept away by flood waters, and three others were killed in electrical storms in other parts of the nation.