BEIJING: An unexpectedly powerful snowstorm has trapped approximately 1,000 climbers and trekkers on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest the world’s highest peak. According to Chinese state media a massive and challenging rescue operation is underway to save those stranded at altitudes exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet).
The disaster struck late Friday night when the weather suddenly turned and heavy snowfall began cutting off several high-altitude campsites from main routes. Hundreds of rescuers including local villagers and professional mountain response groups like the Blue Sky Rescue Team, are working around the clock to clear snow-blocked paths and reach the stranded individuals. As of Monday morning, Reuters has confirmed that about 350 people have been successfully evacuated to safety in Qudang township.
Chen Geshuang one of the rescued climbers shared the harrowing experience stating “It was so wet and cold hypothermia was a real risk. Our guide said he had never experienced such weather in October and it all happened so suddenly.” Rescue coordination units reported receiving continuous calls for help after several tents collapsed under the weight of heavy snow. According to officials many trekkers were already showing symptoms of hypothermia a dangerous drop in body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold.
Given the seriousness of the situation the Tingri County Tourism Company has suspended entry and ticket sales to the Everest Scenic Area with immediate effect until further notice.
A String of Extreme Weather Events in the Region
This storm is part of a larger wave of extreme weather events in the region. In neighboring Nepal torrential rains have triggered deadly landslides and floods over the past two days killing at least 47 people and destroying several bridges. Meanwhile in eastern China, a typhoon named ‘Matmo’ has forced the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents.
Typically, October is considered a relatively stable and safe post-monsoon period for climbing on Everest. This unexpected storm has once again proven how unpredictable mountain weather can be in the era of climate change. Mountaineering experts believe that overcrowding environmental challenges and sudden weather shifts have turned the 8,849-meter-high Everest into one of the most dangerous expeditions in modern mountaineering.
