Mount Everest Emergency Operation In Progress as Blizzard Strands Nearly 1,000 People

Emergency efforts are ongoing on the world's tallest mountain following a intense blizzard that stranded close to a thousand people trapped at base camps on the eastern side of the peak.

Several Hundred Rescued Successfully Amid Unusual Snowfall

Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the blizzard near the eastern face of the mountain were safely guided by emergency responders on Sunday, as unusually heavy snow and rain hit the Himalayas.

As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had arrived at the remote town of the rescue base, while communication had been established with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.

Peak Season Contributed to High Crowds

Tourists in the isolated area of Karma, which provides access to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest, totaled several hundred this period, taking advantage of an extended holiday break in the region.

Heavy snow in the valley, which sits at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (over 13,700 feet), began on Friday evening and continued throughout Saturday.

Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Security

The other hikers are scheduled to reach Qudang in stages under the support and direction of emergency teams organised by the regional authorities.

Hundreds of local villagers and response units have been sent to help clear pathways obstructing routes to the area.

Uncertainty Over Local Guides and North Face

Estimates indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been stranded. Details were unclear whether local guides and other personnel with the hiking groups had been located.

It was also unclear if hikers near the northern side of the mountain—also in the region—had been impacted or not.

Peak Season and Access Halted

The northern slope of Everest, due to its convenient approach by roadway, often attracts many of tourists. This month is a peak season, when weather improves with the end of the monsoon season.

Ticket sales and access to the entire Everest scenic area were halted from the weekend, according to announcements posted on local platforms.

Nearby Area Affected by Heavy Rains

To the south of the region, torrential downpours triggered mudslides and flash floods that have blocked roads, washed away bridges, and killed at least 47 people since Friday.

Thirty-five people lost their lives in separate landslides in the eastern Ilam district near the Indian border. Nine people were reported unaccounted for after being carried off by flood waters, and three others were fatally struck in lightning strikes in other parts of the nation.