A rescue team is frantically carrying out a massive rescue operation on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet, where a sudden snowstorm has left nearly 1,000 people stranded at high-altitude campsites.
The area, sitting over 4,900 meters above sea level, is popular among trekkers and climbers but has become the site of a weather emergency.
Local authorities have dispatched hundreds of villagers and emergency responders to clear the thick snow that is blocking access routes. So far, around 350 individuals have been safely evacuated to Qudang, a nearby township, according to regional reports.
The storm began late Friday and quickly intensified, catching many hikers off guard. Survivors described the conditions as dangerously cold and wet, with hypothermia posing a serious threat.
One trekker, Chen Geshuang, recounted how the group’s guide was stunned by the severity of the October weather, calling it unprecedented.
Emergency calls flooded in as tents collapsed under the weight of snow, prompting Tibet’s Blue Sky Rescue team to respond.
In light of the crisis, Tingri County Tourism Company has halted ticket sales and closed access to the Everest Scenic Area.
The situation unfolds amid broader extreme weather across the region. Nepal, which shares the Everest range, has been hit by torrential rains, causing deadly landslides and flash floods.
At least 47 people have died in the past two days. Meanwhile, Typhoon Matmo has struck parts of China, displacing over 150,000 residents.
Mount Everest, towering at 8,849 meters, remains one of the world’s most challenging climbs. Despite its allure, the mountain has faced growing scrutiny over overcrowding, environmental degradation, and frequent tragedies.