World's Highest Peak Rescue Under Way as Blizzard Traps Close to a Thousand Individuals
Rescue operations are actively underway on Mount Everest following a intense blizzard that stranded close to a thousand people trapped at base camps on the east face of the peak.
Hundreds Rescued Successfully Amid Unusual Precipitation
Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the blizzard near the east side of the mountain were led to safety by rescue teams on Sunday, as exceptional precipitation hit the Himalayas.
By the weekend, three hundred and fifty individuals had arrived at the small township of the rescue base, while contact had been established with the other two hundred hikers.
Peak Season Contributed to High Visitor Numbers
Tourists in the isolated area of the Karma valley, which provides access to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest, numbered in the hundreds this week, taking advantage of an eight-day National Day holiday in the area.
Snowfall in the region, which lies at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (13,779 feet), began on Friday evening and persisted all day Saturday.
Continued Operations to Rescue Others to Security
The other hikers are expected to arrive Qudang in phases under the support and direction of emergency teams organised by the local government.
Many residents and response units have been deployed to help remove snow blocking access to the region.
Uncertainty Over Local Guides and Other Areas
Reports indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been stranded. It was not specified whether local guides and other personnel with the trekking parties had been located.
It was also unclear if trekkers near the northern side of the mountain—also in the region—had been affected or not.
Tourist Rush and Entry Halted
The northern slope of Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, regularly draws large numbers of visitors. October is a peak season, when weather improves with the end of the Indian monsoon.
Admission tickets and access to the entire Everest scenic area were suspended from the weekend, according to notices posted on local platforms.
Nearby Area Affected by Heavy Rains
To the south of the area, torrential downpours triggered landslides and flash floods that have closed routes, washed away bridges, and killed at least 47 people since last week.
Thirty-five individuals died in multiple mudslides in the eastern Ilam district bordering India. Nine people were reported unaccounted for after being carried off by flood waters, and three others were killed in electrical storms in other parts of the nation.
