Himalayas Face Extreme Weather: Blizzard Strands Hundreds Near Everest, 350 Rescued Amid Regional Storms
QUDANG: Emergency rescue operations are underway on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet after an unseasonal and powerful snowstorm trapped an estimated nearly 1,000 trekkers and support staff at high-altitude campsites above 4,900 meters (16,000 feet).
The heavy snowfall began unexpectedly a few days ago, catching many visitors off guard during a typically clear post-monsoon window. The storm has been severe, with reports indicating collapsed tents and multiple cases of hypothermia among those stranded.
Local villagers, alongside official rescue teams, have been deployed to clear snow-blocked access routes and guide the hikers to safety. Chinese state media reports confirm that around 350 people have been successfully rescued and guided to the nearest township of Qudang. Contact has also been established with an additional number of trekkers still awaiting evacuation.
The sudden and intense weather event highlights the volatile conditions across the Himalayan region, which is currently experiencing a wave of extreme weather. Neighbouring Nepal has been grappling with deadly floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains, while parts of South China have been impacted by Typhoon Matmo.
One rescued trekker, Chen Geshuang, described the unexpected severity of the conditions: “It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk. The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had never encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly,” (Source: Reuters, via local media).
In light of the unfolding crisis, the local Tingri County Tourism Company has taken precautionary measures by suspending entry to the popular Everest Scenic Area and halting all ticket sales until rescue operations are completed and conditions stabilise (Source: Local Tourism Notices). Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, remains a destination of extraordinary challenge and risk, despite its enduring popularity.
