Rescue operations are ongoing in the remote Tibetan region of Mount Everest, where a snowstorm has left nearly 1,000 people stranded at campsites on the mountain’s eastern side, as reported by Chinese state media. The affected area is situated at an elevation of over 4,900 meters (16,000 feet), prompting the deployment of local villagers and rescue teams to clear the snow blocking access.
Reports indicate that some tourists have already been successfully rescued. The heavy snowfall began on Friday evening and has intensified, affecting an area known for its popularity among climbers and hikers. The Tibet Blue Sky Rescue team received a distress call regarding collapsed tents and hikers suffering from hypothermia.
In response to the hazardous conditions, the Tingri County Tourism Company has suspended ticket sales and access to the Everest Scenic Area as of Saturday. This region is currently experiencing severe weather, while neighboring Nepal has been dealing with heavy rains that have caused landslides and flash floods, resulting in at least 47 fatalities over the past two days.
Additionally, Typhoon Matmo has struck China, necessitating the evacuation of around 150,000 people from their homes. Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak at over 8,849 meters, is known for its challenging climbing conditions. The mountain has faced scrutiny in recent years concerning issues such as overcrowding, environmental impacts, and fatalities during climbing attempts. As rescue efforts continue, questions remain about the safety protocols in place for those venturing into this extreme environment.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj4ykkgxqwko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss