(Image source from: Independent.co.uk)

Rescue teams are hurrying in eastern Tibet following a sudden snowstorm that left close to 1,000 people stuck on the secluded slopes of Mount Everest, as reported by Chinese state media. Since the storm started late on Friday, heavy snow has covered high-altitude camps at over 4,900 meters (16,000 feet), cutting off access and putting many climbers and hikers at risk. Local villagers and emergency personnel have been sent out to clear the blocked paths and look for those who are stranded. Local reports indicate that rescuers have successfully brought about 350 people to Qudang, a small town in the area. Rescuers are still assisting others to safety as long as the weather allows. “The freezing and damp conditions were intolerable, and hypothermia quickly became a major concern,” said Chen Geshuang, a hiker who reached Qudang with her group. “The weather this October has been unlike anything our guide has experienced before. It caught us off guard.”

Tibet’s Blue Sky Rescue Team got emergency calls about tents that collapsed and several people showing early signs of hypothermia. Emergency teams quickly reacted by maneuvering through thick snow and dangerous land to get to the affected camps. To deal with the growing problem, Tingri County Tourism Company has stopped selling tickets and closed access to the Everest Scenic Area since Saturday to protect public safety. This snowstorm is part of a larger pattern of severe weather impacting the area. Nearby Nepal is dealing with heavy rains that have caused landslides and flash floods, resulting in at least 47 deaths and significant damage to key infrastructure, like bridges.

At the same time, Typhoon Matmo hit eastern China, leading to the evacuation of about 150,000 residents. Mount Everest, with a height of 8,849 meters, continues to attract adventurers worldwide, but the climb is still one of the most perilous. In recent years, problems like overcrowding, environmental harm, and fatal accidents have raised serious concerns about the mountain’s future as a hiking and climbing destination.