World's Highest Peak Rescue Under Way as Blizzard Traps Nearly 1,000 People
Emergency efforts are ongoing on Mount Everest following a severe snowstorm that left close to a thousand individuals isolated at base camps on the east face of the peak.
Several Hundred Rescued Successfully Amid Unusual Snowfall
Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the blizzard near the east side of the peak were led to safety by rescue teams on Sunday, as exceptional precipitation hit the Himalayan region.
As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had reached the small township of the rescue base, while communication had been made with the other two hundred hikers.
Peak Season Led to High Visitor Numbers
Tourists in the remote valley of Karma, which leads to the Kangshung east side of Mount Everest, totaled several hundred this week, taking advantage of an extended holiday break in the region.
Snowfall in the region, which lies at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (over 13,700 feet), began on Friday evening and persisted all day Saturday.
Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Security
The other hikers are expected to arrive the safe zone in stages under the support and direction of emergency teams organised by the local government.
Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been sent to help clear pathways blocking access to the region.
Unclear Details Over Support Staff and North Face
Reports indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been trapped. Details were unclear whether local guides and team members with the hiking groups had been located.
Remains unknown if hikers near the north face of Everest—also in the area—had been affected or not.
Tourist Rush and Entry Halted
The north face of Mount Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, regularly draws large numbers of visitors. October is a peak season, when skies clear with the conclusion of the Indian monsoon.
Ticket sales 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 region, heavy rains caused mudslides and flash floods that have closed routes, washed away bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since last week.
Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in multiple mudslides in the Ilam eastern region near the Indian border. Nine people were reported missing after being carried off by flood waters, and three more were fatally struck in electrical storms elsewhere in the country.
