Rescue operations are underway on the Tibetan slopes of Mount Everest, where a sudden snowstorm has left nearly 1,000 individuals stranded at campsites on the eastern side of the mountain, according to reports from Chinese state media.
Hundreds of local residents and dedicated rescue teams have been mobilized to clear heavy snow obstructing access to the area, situated at an elevation exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet).
Reuters reports that local media outlets indicate approximately 350 individuals have been successfully rescued and escorted to safety in Qudang town.
“It was so wet and cold – hypothermia was a real risk,” recounted Chen Geshuang, a member of a trekking group caught in the storm.
Chen noted that the weather conditions were “not normal” for this time of year, with her guide remarking that the change occurred “too suddenly.”
The heavy snowfall began on Friday evening and has since intensified on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet, a region popular with climbers and hikers.
Chinese state media reports that Tibet’s Blue Sky Rescue team received a distress call indicating that tents had collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow, and some hikers were already exhibiting symptoms of hypothermia.
According to Reuters, the Tingri County Tourism Company has suspended ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area effective Saturday.
The region is currently experiencing extreme weather conditions, as neighboring Nepal grapples with heavy rains that have triggered landslides and flash floods, washing away bridges and resulting in at least 47 fatalities in the past two days.
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Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at over 8,849m, attracts numerous summit attempts each year. However, it is widely recognized as an exceptionally perilous undertaking.
In recent years, the mountain has faced increasing concerns regarding overcrowding, environmental impact, and a series of fatal climbing attempts.
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