An unexpected and intense blizzard near Mount Everest’s eastern slopes in Tibet has led to a major rescue operation, leaving hundreds of trekkers stranded and resulting in at least one fatality. The incident, which began intensifying over the weekend, has caught many seasoned outdoor enthusiasts completely unawares, highlighting the extreme and unpredictable nature of the Himalayan weather.
Battling hypothermia and snowfall
Over 200 hikers remain stranded in the popular area, which sits at an altitude of over 4,900 metres (16,000 feet).
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the conditions:
- Relentless snowfall: Hikers reported heavy snow, sleet, lightning, and thunderstorms that lasted for hours. Tents needed clearing every ten minutes to stop them from collapsing.
- Hypothermia risk: Despite being adequately dressed, several people in various groups showed signs of hypothermia, with one trekker stating, “Our windbreakers and raincoats were no match for the snow. We were all drenched.”
- Slippery and difficult terrain: Retreating trekkers described the routes as extremely slippery due to ice and wet snow that was up to a metre deep in some places, making movement difficult even for rescue workers.
The Golden week surprise
The snowstorm hit during China’s Golden Week holiday, a peak season for local tourism when many flock to the area, often seeking a view of the world’s highest peak from the scenic Karma Valley hiking trail.
October is usually a favoured month for trekking with its typically clear skies. Many hikers, including a 27-year-old nature photographer who had been to the Himalayas more than a dozen times, described the weather as “exceptional” and something they had “never experienced.”
The rescue effort
Authorities have deployed hundreds of local villagers and rescue workers, who have been focused on clearing snow-blocked access points and guiding the stranded to safety. So far, 350 people have been guided to the small township of Qudang, where they have relied on generators for power. Rescuers remain in contact with all the trekkers who are still trapped as the complex evacuation continues.
The crisis follows news of extreme weather battering the region, including torrential rains and floods in neighbouring Nepal.
