Stranded by Severe Snowstorm
Rescue Operations Underway
A fierce snowstorm on the eastern side of Mount Everest has left hundreds of climbers stranded, prompting ongoing rescue operations.
According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV) cited by Reuters on the 5th (local time), a severe snowstorm struck near the eastern slope of Mount Everest in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, forcing 350 climbers to evacuate to the nearby small village of Kudang. It has also been reported that contact has been established with another 200 climbers who remain stranded. Local news sources indicate that the total number of visitors trapped in the area is estimated to be around 1,000. CCTV stated, "The remaining climbers are expected to arrive in Kudang in stages, guided and assisted by rescue teams organized by the local government."
The northern slope, which is easily accessible by paved road, typically attracts the largest number of climbers. However, the media outlet noted, "It is unclear whether climbers near the northern side have been affected."
China has been observing an eight-day long holiday since the 1st, as National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival coincided. As a result, many climbers flocked to the Karma Gorge trekking route on the eastern side of Everest. However, since the 3rd, an unusually intense snowstorm has hit the area. Local tourism authorities suspended entry and ticket sales for the Everest tourist zone starting on the 4th.
Currently, hundreds of local residents and rescue teams are working to clear snow in order to access the area, which is situated at an altitude of over 4,900 meters. A female climber who evacuated to Kudang said, "The mountain was so damp and cold that I nearly suffered from hypothermia. The weather this year is abnormal. Even the guide said it was the first time experiencing such conditions in October. And the snowstorm came so suddenly," she recalled.
Given that rescue teams have already received numerous reports of tent damage and hypothermia due to the heavy snowfall, there is a possibility that casualties may have occurred.
Recently, the surrounding region has experienced severe weather anomalies. Since the 3rd, heavy rains in southern Tibet and Nepal have caused landslides, floods, and the destruction of bridges, resulting in at least 47 deaths. It has also been reported that three people were killed by lightning strikes in other nearby areas.
Meanwhile, Mount Everest, located on the border between Nepal and China, is the highest mountain on Earth, with an official altitude of 8,848.86 meters. The month of October, when the Indian monsoon (June to September) ends and the skies clear, sees the highest number of climbers.
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