🔗 Share this article Mount Everest Emergency Operation In Progress as Snowstorm Traps Close to a Thousand Individuals Rescue operations are ongoing on Mount Everest following a intense blizzard that stranded close to a thousand people trapped at campsites on the east face of the peak. Hundreds Rescued Successfully Amid Heavy Precipitation Numerous hikers cut off by the snowstorm near the eastern face of the mountain were led to safety by rescue teams on the weekend, as exceptional snow and rain hit the Himalayan region. As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had reached the remote town of Qudang, while contact had been made with the other two hundred hikers. Peak Season Contributed to High Visitor Numbers Tourists in the isolated area of Karma, which leads to the Kangshung east side of Everest, totaled several hundred this period, taking advantage of an extended holiday break in the region. Snowfall in the valley, which sits at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (over 13,700 feet), started late Friday and persisted throughout Saturday. Ongoing Efforts to Rescue Others to Security The remaining trekkers are expected to arrive Qudang in stages under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams organised by the local government. Hundreds of local villagers 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 nearly 1,000 people had been stranded. Details were unclear whether local guides and team members with the hiking groups had been located. It was also unclear if hikers near the north face of Everest—also in the area—had been impacted or not. Tourist Rush and Entry Halted The northern slope of Mount Everest, due to its easy access by roadway, often attracts large numbers of tourists. This month is a busy period, when skies clear with the end of the Indian monsoon. Ticket sales and access to the whole Mount Everest region were halted from the weekend, according to announcements posted on official channels. Neighboring Region Affected by Severe Weather To the southern side of the region, torrential downpours caused landslides and flash floods that have closed routes, destroyed 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 individuals were reported missing after being swept away by flood waters, and three others were killed in lightning strikes elsewhere in the country.