Hundreds rescued as blizzard traps trekkers on Mount Everest

A powerful blizzard recently struck the eastern face of Mount Everest in Tibet, stranding nearly 1,000 trekkers as they sought to enjoy China's weeklong National Day holiday. The severe weather system began impacting the region on Friday evening, creating treacherous conditions at elevations above 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). The unexpected snowfall buried campsites and collapsed tents, leading to a rapid decline in safety for those stranded. Rescue operations commenced once the storm set in, with local authorities organizing teams of villagers and rescue workers to clear pathways and guide people to safety. By Sunday, reports indicated that rescue efforts had safely led approximately 350 trekkers to the small township of Qudang, achieving contact with over 200 others still in the area. The local government noted that many survivors expressed acute relief upon reaching safety, recounting experiences characterized by intense cold, wet conditions, and symptoms of hypothermia as they endured the elements. As rescue teams continued their operations, about 200 individuals remained unaccounted for, raising concerns among the community about the emergency preparedness related to such unexpected weather events. Notably, this incident drew greater attention to the ongoing impact of changing weather patterns in the Himalayan region, with the blizzard occurring simultaneously with severe rainstorms that triggered landslides and flash floods in neighboring Nepal, resulting in numerous fatalities. As conditions deteriorated, authorities suspended ticket sales and access to the Everest Scenic Area to prioritize rescue efforts and mitigate further risks. The situation became particularly alarming as reports emerged detailing the extent of the snowfall—some trekkers noted as much as three feet of snow blocking routes. In conversations following their rescue, surviving trekkers commented on the unusually severe weather for October, clarifying that previous experiences had not prepared them for such rapid and dangerous changes. The broader implications of these events have sparked discussions regarding the future of trekking safety on Everest amidst the encroaching effects of climate change.