Hundreds of trekkers trapped by a powerful blizzard near the eastern face of Mount Everest in Tibet have been rescued and guided to safety, Chinese state media reported on Sunday.
The rare early-season storm brought heavy snowfall, thunder, and lightning across the Himalayas, disrupting the peak trekking season and forcing a large-scale emergency response.
According to Chinese broadcaster CCTV, around 350 trekkers reached the township of Qudang by Sunday, while contact had been established with more than 200 others still stranded in the region. Rescuers, supported by local authorities, were working to guide them down safely in stages.
During China’s eight-day National Day holiday, the trekkers had been exploring the isolated Karma Valley, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest. After unusually heavy snowfall and rain fell on the area late last week, the picturesque valley — which is famous for its expansive views of Everest’s eastern ridge –became dangerous.
“It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk,” said Chen Geshuang, one of 18 trekkers who managed to descend to Qudang as per Reuters. “The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had never encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly.”
TREKKERS FACE THUNDER, LIGHTNING, AND FREEZING CONDITIONS
Snow began falling late Friday and continued through Saturday, blanketing the region at altitudes averaging 4,200 metres (13,800 feet). Chen said her group endured a terrifying night in the mountains as snow, thunder, and lightning battered their camp.
In order to clear blocked routes and lead hikers to safety, hundreds of locals worked alongside organised rescue teams. The blizzard and road closures had initially left nearly 1,000 people stranded, according to state-sponsored outlet Jimu News.
The Chinese government said the rescue operation remained ongoing as officials continued to monitor conditions across the Everest Scenic Area. The Tingri County Tourism Company, which manages entry to the region, announced that ticket sales and access to all parts of the Everest Scenic Area were suspended from late Saturday as a safety precaution.
– Ends
With inputs form agencies