A sudden blizzard has left hikers experiencing hypothermia battling relentless snowfall on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest, with ongoing rescue efforts to evacuate trapped individuals. At least one fatality has been reported, and more than 200 climbers remain stranded, according to Chinese state media.
The snowfall began Friday night and escalated over the weekend, prompting the deployment of hundreds of local villagers and rescue workers to clear snow obstructing access to the area, situated at an altitude exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet).
Rescue operations have successfully guided 350 people to safety in Qudang, with authorities maintaining communication with those still trapped. The extreme weather caught many hikers unprepared during China's Golden Week holiday, a traditionally busy tourist period.
Nature photographer Dong Shuchang, who aimed to capture the scenic Himalayan sights, found himself caught in the storm just hours into his hike. The lightning and thunderstorms would not stop. The snowfall was so heavy I could hardly sleep, Dong recounted, explaining how his group decided to turn back after reaching an altitude of 4,600 meters.
Experiences were echoed by fellow hikers who reported severe conditions, with snow reaching almost a meter deep during their descent. Many felt fortunate to escape the harsh elements. One hiker, Chen Geshuang, noted: I was so lucky to get out.
As rescuers struggle to clear paths, other hikers report sleeping difficulties, often rising every 10 minutes to prevent their tents from collapsing under thick snow.
The situation has raised concerns not just for those on Everest but across the region, where extreme weather patterns have wreaked havoc, contributing to flooding and disaster in other areas of China and neighboring Nepal.
