Rescue efforts are underway in the remote Tibetan slopes of Mount Everest where a snowstorm has trapped nearly 1,000 people in campsites on the eastern side of the mountain, according to Chinese state media. Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been deployed to clear out snow blocking access to the area, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,900 metres (16,000 feet). Chinese media reported that some tourists have already been rescued. Heavy snowfall started on Friday evening and has intensified on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet, a popular area for climbers and hikers. Tibet's Blue Sky Rescue team received calls for help indicating that tents had collapsed and that some hikers were suffering from hypothermia. In light of these conditions, the Tingri County Tourism Company suspended ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area on Saturday, as neighbouring Nepal experienced heavy rains leading to landslides and flash floods that have killed at least 47 people in the past two days. Additionally, China is responding to the impact of Typhoon Matmo, which has displaced around 150,000 people. Mount Everest, at over 8,849m, remains the highest peak globally, but conditions are known to be perilous, and the area has grappled with issues of overcrowding, environmental ramifications, and deadly climbing attempts in recent years.
Crisis on Mount Everest: Nearly 1,000 Trapped by Snowstorm
Crisis on Mount Everest: Nearly 1,000 Trapped by Snowstorm
Rescue operations are underway on Mount Everest where a severe snowstorm has left nearly 1,000 people stranded. Local villagers and emergency teams are mobilizing to clear access routes.
A snowstorm has trapped almost 1,000 people at campsites on the slopes of Mount Everest, prompting rescue efforts from local teams. Snowfall began on Friday and caused collapses in tents and instances of hypothermia among hikers. Nearby regions in Tibet also face severe weather and evacuations are ongoing due to Typhoon Matmo.
