Mount Everest Rescue Efforts Intensify as Hundreds Remain Stranded After ‘Extreme’ Snowstorm
Mount Everest Rescue Efforts Intensify as Hundreds Remain Stranded After ‘Extreme’ Snowstorm
A massive rescue operation is intensifying on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, where hundreds of trekkers remain stranded following an unseasonable and “extreme” snowstorm. The severe weather struck during China’s busy ‘Golden Week’ holiday, trapping an estimated 200 individuals at high-altitude campsites within the Everest Scenic Area, situated east of the main peak.
Chinese authorities report that approximately 350 people have successfully descended from the mountain since the snowfall began on Friday and Saturday night. However, concerns are mounting for the remaining 200, who have been contacted but await full evacuation. Trekkers who managed to get down described harrowing experiences, with one calling it “the most extreme weather I’ve ever faced,” and another expressing the “fear of being buried alive” as snow piled rapidly around their tents.
The sudden and heavy snowfall, which hit elevations above 4,900 meters (16,000ft), has been deemed ‘not normal’ for October, typically a clear and mild season. Photos and videos shared online depict tents buried in deep snow and trekkers navigating waist-high drifts. The local tourism authority has suspended ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area as rescue teams work to clear paths and assist those still on the mountain. The incident has also highlighted communication challenges in the tightly controlled region, with reports of power outages and limited official updates on the ongoing efforts.
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