🔗 Share this article

Rescue operations are ongoing on Mount Everest following a severe snowstorm that left close to a thousand individuals isolated at campsites on the east face of the peak.

Hundreds Guided to Safety Amid Unusual Snowfall

Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the snowstorm near the eastern face of the peak were safely guided by rescue teams on Sunday, as exceptional precipitation hit the Himalayan region.

By the weekend, 350 people had reached the remote town of the rescue base, while communication had been made with the other two hundred hikers.

Holiday Rush Led to High Crowds

Visitors to the remote valley of the Karma valley, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest, numbered in the hundreds this period, taking advantage of an extended holiday break in the area.

Heavy snow in the valley, which lies at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), began on Friday evening and continued all day Saturday.

Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Safety

The other hikers are expected to arrive the safe zone in phases under the guidance and assistance of rescuers dispatched by the local government.

Many residents and response units have been sent to help clear pathways blocking access to the region.

Uncertainty Over Local Guides and North Face

Reports indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been trapped. Details were unclear whether support staff and team members 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 impacted or not.

Tourist Rush and Entry Halted

The north face of Mount Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, often attracts large numbers of tourists. This month is a peak season, when skies clear with the conclusion of the monsoon season.

Admission tickets and entry to the whole Mount Everest region were halted from Saturday, according to notices posted on local platforms.

Neighboring Region 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 Friday.

Thirty-five people lost their lives in separate landslides in the Ilam eastern region near the Indian border. Nine people were reported unaccounted for after being carried off by flood waters, and three others were fatally struck in electrical storms elsewhere in the country.