Fears are growing that 200 hikers could be buried alive on Mount Everest after being hit by a huge snowstorm. The clock is ticking for authorities to save the stranded mountaineers, with rescue teams and local villagers joining forces to clear a path to the area.
According to an update by Chinese state media, 350 people have been evacuated from the remote Tibetan slopes so far. The blizzard hit the eastern slopes of Mount Everest on Friday evening (October 3) before intensifying on Saturday. Rescue teams are now in contact with the remaining 200 hikers who have been stuck in the treacherous and freezing conditions for 48 hours.
As reported by The Sun, the mountaineers became stranded in the Karma Valley, a lesser-known route to the base of Everest, when the storm hit. One of those rescued, Chenn Geshuang, told Reuters: “It was so wet and cold – hypothermia was a real risk.
“The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had ever encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly.” Their tents collapsed due to the heavy snow, while some of the hikers were hit by hypothermia.
Another witness told BBC: “All of us are experienced hikers… But this blizzard was still extremely difficult to deal with. I was so lucky to get out.”
It comes as extreme weather batters the wider region, causing landslides and flash floods. At least 47 people in Nepal have died over the last few days as bridges have been swept away by torrents of water.
Meanwhile, one person reportedly died due to a sudden blizzard in China’s Qinghai province. Local media reported that the mountaineer died from hypothermia and altitude sickness on Sunday in the Laohugou area.
The situation has also been made more complicated by the recent Chinese Golden Week holiday, which has brought a high volume of tourists to the region. All access to the Everest Scenic Area was suspended on Saturday due to the treacherous weather conditions.
Mount Everest is the world’s highest peak at over 8,849m. Although many people attempt to climb the summit every year, it is considered incredibly dangerous.